formally signed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formally signed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a document or agreement that has been officially signed in a formal manner, often indicating legal validity. Example: "The contract was formally signed by both parties, ensuring that all terms were agreed upon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These are not official documents and do not need to be formally signed by the DUS.

Columbia University

The Declaration was formally signed on Aug. 2 by 50 members of the Congress.

The New York Times - Arts

As of Thursday, 40 countries, including China, Cuba and Iran, had formally signed up to run.

The New York Times

His "consultancy" agreement was, it is alleged, formally signed off in London by Evans.

The Guardian

Daisy was formally signed at 14, followed by the rest of the family.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A spokesman for the Culture Ministry said the accord would be formally signed on Tuesday.

The New York Times - Arts

Although they've formally signed up, they've done so without any commitment".

The Guardian

To enforce the agreement, formally signed in December 1995, a 60,000-member international force was deployed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The treaty was formally signed on September 8 , 1951 and the occupation of Japan ended on April 28 , 1952

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Yankees agreed to add a minor league pitcher, but Seattle never formally signed off on the package.

The New York Times

On Wednesday, 31 countries formally signed up to the Paris deal at the UN general assembly in New York.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formally signed" to clarify that a document wasn't just initialed or informally marked, but fully and officially endorsed.

Common error

Avoid using "formally signed" in casual situations where an informal agreement or acknowledgment is sufficient. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formally signed" functions as a descriptor, typically modifying a noun (e.g., agreement, contract, treaty). It indicates that the act of signing was conducted in an official and legally recognized manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

22%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formally signed" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote the official endorsement of a document or agreement through a signature. Ludwig AI underscores that its use emphasizes the legal and official nature of the signing process. It is most frequently found in "News & Media" and "Academia", indicating its use in both reporting and scholarly contexts. When writing, it's important to reserve "formally signed" for situations where the formality of the signing is significant, avoiding overuse in casual contexts. Alternatives like "officially endorsed" or "duly executed" can provide nuanced substitutes depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

officially endorsed

Replaces "signed" with "endorsed", highlighting the act of giving official approval or support, making the action slightly broader than just signing.

duly executed

Uses a legal term, "executed", to emphasize the completion of the signing process in accordance with legal requirements.

legally ratified

Focuses on the legal aspect of the signing, indicating that the agreement has been officially approved and validated by law.

properly authorized

Emphasizes that the signing was done with the correct authority and permissions, shifting the focus from the act of signing to the legitimacy of the process.

validly approved

Highlights the validity and approval of the agreement, suggesting that it meets all necessary criteria and has been officially sanctioned.

formally adopted

Replaces "signed" with "adopted", which is useful when the process involves more than just signing, such as accepting a resolution or policy.

fully subscribed

Suitable when referring to agreements or contracts that require multiple signatures or endorsements to be complete.

under seal

A more traditional term emphasizing the binding nature of a document, especially one affixed with a formal seal.

entered into force

Focuses on the agreement becoming active and legally binding after the signing process.

given the seal of approval

An idiomatic expression that suggests the agreement has received a high level of endorsement, going beyond just a signature.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "formally signed"?

Use "formally signed" when referring to documents, agreements, or contracts that have been officially endorsed with a signature, indicating legal validity or official approval. It's suitable for contexts involving contracts, treaties, or official protocols.

What are some alternatives to "formally signed"?

You can use alternatives like "officially endorsed", "duly executed", or "legally ratified" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "formally signed" and "officially signed"?

While both phrases are similar, "formally signed" often implies a greater emphasis on the ritual or procedure involved in the signing. "Officially signed" is a more general term indicating that the signing was done with proper authority. In most cases, they are interchangeable.

Can "formally signed" be used for informal agreements?

No, "formally signed" should not be used for informal agreements. It implies a level of formality and legal binding that is not present in casual or unofficial arrangements. Use simpler language for informal contexts, such as "agreed to" or "confirmed".