"Sign up" vs. "Sign-up" in the English Grammar (2024)

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both refer to enrolling in a particular course, workshop, class, etc. However, 'sign up' is a phrasal verb, while, 'sign-up' can function as both a noun and an adjective.

Differences

'Sign up' is a phrasal verb, whereas, 'sign-up' can function as both a noun and an adjective. Look at the examples below:

If you wanna join Instagram, you have sign up and create an account first.

You can get the sign-up paper from the office below.

Similarities

Both refer to registering for a specific class, workshop, etc. Look at the examples below:

For more information on the sign-up process, check out the link below.

Jacob signed up in the literary workshop as soon as she came into the university.

Are They Interchangeable?

'Sign-up' is a noun and an adjective, while, 'sign up' is a phrasal verb. So, they cannot be used interchangeably. Compare:

✓ It seems that I cannot sign up anymore.

X It seems that I cannot sign-up anymore.