contract is signed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contract is signed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a contract has been executed or finalized, often in a business or legal context. Example: "Once the contract is signed, we can begin the project without any further delays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thirty months after a contract is signed.

The New York Times - Travel

Nothing means anything until the contract is signed.

The New York Times - Sports

Another ad says: "A contract is signed in London.

The New York Times

When a contract is signed, it should be respected.

The Guardian - Sport

After the contract is signed, it's important to find ways to maintain management's visible interest.

Harvard University

Mr. Samuelsen said Mr. Lhota supported improving women's bathrooms before the contract is signed.

The New York Times

Even if a contract is signed, it may not be proof against a change of government.

The Economist

"And a contract is signed so we know we will get paid".

The New York Times

They generally review the minutes once an offer is accepted and before a contract is signed.

The New York Times

Any selling involved in a professional service has actually just begun when the contract is signed.

Harvard Business Review

Americans consider that negotiations have more or less ceased when the contract is signed.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarity is crucial, explicitly state the effective date immediately following the phrase "contract is signed" to avoid ambiguity about when the agreement takes effect.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all obligations begin the moment the "contract is signed". Specify commencement dates for specific clauses if they differ from the overall effective date to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contract is signed" serves as a declarative statement, indicating that a contractual agreement has been formally executed and is legally binding. As supported by Ludwig, this signals the transition from negotiation to commitment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

22%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contract is signed" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that a contractual agreement has been finalized. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific fields. While versatile, it's important to consider the nuances of contract law and specify effective dates to avoid ambiguity. As highlighted by Ludwig's analysis, alternatives like "agreement is executed" or "deal is finalized" can provide more formal or specific connotations depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

agreement is executed

Formal alternative focusing on the formal completion of the agreement.

deal is finalized

Emphasizes the completion of negotiations and agreement on a deal.

paperwork is completed

Highlights the completion of all necessary documentation.

terms are agreed upon

Focuses on the mutual agreement on the conditions of the contract.

signature is affixed

Highlights the act of signing as the concluding step.

accord is reached

Suggests a formal agreement has been successfully negotiated.

understanding is formalized

Emphasizes the process of making an agreement official.

commitment is secured

Focuses on obtaining a binding commitment from all parties.

transaction is closed

Highlights the completion of a business transaction.

obligations are binding

Underlines the legally enforceable nature of the contract terms.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "contract is signed"?

You can use alternatives like "agreement is executed", "deal is finalized", or "paperwork is completed" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the contract is signed off"?

While "signed off" implies approval, "contract is signed" specifically indicates that all parties have legally committed to the agreement. "Signed off" is less formal and might not carry the same legal weight.

What happens after the "contract is signed"?

After the "contract is signed", all parties are legally bound by its terms. This typically involves fulfilling obligations outlined in the contract, such as payment schedules, delivery of goods, or provision of services.

Can a deal fall apart even after the "contract is signed"?

Yes, a deal can still collapse even after the "contract is signed", although it may involve legal ramifications. For example, as mentioned by Ludwig, "The deal could fall apart even after a contract is signed, so the spell had to last, he carefully explains."