The phrasal verb "punch in" is primarily used in informal contexts and is most commonly associated with employment or office environments. It refers to the action of recording one's time of arrival at work or logging in to start a shift, often via a timecard machine or digital system. This term is widely used in industries where time tracking is crucial, such as manufacturing, retail, and service sectors. Its usage is generally conversational or in internal communications rather than in formal writing or speeches. "Punch in" is part of a pair with "punch out," which refers to recording one's departure, highlighting its role in time management and accountability in the workplace.
B1
PreIntermediate
1. To record the time when a worker starts a job using a time clock.
Every morning, I punch in at 8 AM sharp.
The company requires all employees to punch in and out for their shifts.
2. To enter information into a computer system using a keyboard or another input device.
He punched in the code to access the secure server.
She punched in all the data by the end of the day.