a seal on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a seal on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is officially approved, confirmed, or secured, often in a legal or formal context. Example: "The document was finalized with a seal on it, signifying its authenticity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

A seal on the side of one showed it had been a gift from the government of Japan.

The New York Times

After a first test in Jerez that was not far short of a write-off because of a series of problems with the Honda engine, Barcelona was little better, largely in this case because of one small issue - a recurring problem with a seal on a part of the hybrid system.

BBC

With a seal on it.

The New Yorker

There are probably 20 pieces with a seal on them".

The New York Times - Arts

"It is a stamp, a seal on the body of a Jew".

The New York Times

"Everyone wants to be a SEAL on a sunny day," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Each center hole was glued with a sealed on one end hollow fiber membrane tube, which is used to separate the aqueous phase from the octanol phase.

Journal of Chromatography B

We're a nation of ritual, and there's nothing particularly ritualistic about cracking open a plastic seal on a polythene bag.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I asked for a letter with a court seal on it, but the judge refused.

The New York Times

Chloë Sevigny's laugh is deep and honking, like a seal drunk on punch.

The Guardian - Film

Exploris houses marine exhibitions and a seal sanctuary on the shores of Strangford Lough.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a seal on" to describe an official document or agreement, ensure the context clearly indicates the authority or legitimacy the seal represents.

Common error

Avoid using "a seal on" loosely without a clear connection to actual authority or validation. Overusing it can diminish its intended impact and suggest a lack of genuine importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a seal on" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun. It indicates that something has been officially approved, secured, or validated. As noted by Ludwig, it signifies authenticity and can carry legal implications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a seal on" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase signifying official approval, security, or authenticity. According to Ludwig, it's often used to convey assurance and can carry legal implications. It appears frequently in "News & Media" and "Wiki", and maintains a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "a stamp upon" or "an emblem affixed to" exist, the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. When using "a seal on", ensure it clearly connects to genuine authority to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stamp upon

Replaces "seal" with "stamp", emphasizing official approval or validation.

an emblem affixed to

Substitutes "seal" with "emblem" and changes the prepositional phrase to emphasize attachment and symbolic representation.

a mark placed on

Replaces "seal" with "mark", focusing on the act of making an impression or designation.

a confirmation of

Shifts from a physical object to the abstract concept of confirmation, suitable when referring to agreements or decisions.

an authentication of

Highlights the aspect of verifying genuineness or validity, replacing the physical seal with an action.

a guarantee for

Emphasizes the assurance provided, focusing on the reliability or security implied by the "seal".

a pledge regarding

Changes the image to a commitment or promise, suitable for contexts involving agreements or vows.

a binding agreement on

Highlights the legally enforceable nature of the agreement, if the seal represents such a binding.

a symbol representing

Focuses on the symbolic meaning of the seal, indicating that it stands for something beyond its physical form.

a signature validating

Emphasizes the act of validating or approving something through a signature.

FAQs

How can "a seal on" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a seal on" to indicate official approval or security, as in "The contract had "a seal on it", making it legally binding".

What are some alternatives to "a seal on"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a stamp upon", "an emblem affixed to", or "a confirmation of", depending on the context.

What does "a seal on" typically symbolize?

"A seal on" often symbolizes authority, authenticity, or security, indicating that something is officially approved or protected.

Is it correct to say "a seal on" for digital documents?

While traditionally "a seal on" refers to a physical impression, in digital contexts, it can metaphorically represent a digital signature or encryption that authenticates the document.