it was signed

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was signed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever someone has signed a document. Example: After months of negotiation, the contract was finally ready and it was signed by both parties.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was signed "Mrs".

The New York Times

It was signed: "P.

The New York Times

And it was signed 'Dawn'Dawn

Independent

It was signed Jesus Christ.

The New York Times

It was signed, "The Neighborhood".

The New York Times

It was signed, "Alec Guinness".

The New York Times

It was signed "Team Amazon".

The New Yorker

It was signed: "Johan".

The New York Times - Sports

It was signed "Brian".

The New York Times - Tech

It was signed: "A Concerned Home Owner".

Independent

It was signed by a Republican governor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was signed", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what performed the signing action. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice constructions like "it was signed" if the active subject is known and relevant. Using the active voice (e.g., "John signed the document") can make your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

It was signed functions as a passive construction, indicating that an action (signing) has been performed on a subject (the document, agreement, etc.). As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It is often used when the actor is unknown, unimportant, or to emphasize the object of the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was signed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that indicates a document or agreement has been formally executed. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. While common in news and media, as well as academia, it's important to consider the context and choose an active voice construction when appropriate for clarity and directness. The phrase is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used across various registers, though more formal situations may warrant alternative phrasing. Understanding the context in which the signing occurred ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it bore a signature

This alternative emphasizes the presence of a signature as a characteristic of the document or item.

it carried the signature of

This variant highlights the act of bearing someone's signature, suggesting authority or approval.

it was countersigned

This indicates that another signature was added to validate or authorize the original signature.

it was authenticated

This implies that the signature or document has been verified as genuine.

it was validated

Similar to authenticated, this suggests the signature or document has been officially confirmed.

it was ratified

This signifies formal approval or confirmation, often used in legal or political contexts.

it was formally endorsed

This phrase indicates a formal and explicit approval or support.

it was officially approved

This suggests that the document or action received official authorization.

it was sealed

This implies that the document was not just signed but also sealed, adding another layer of authenticity.

the signature was affixed

Focuses on the action of attaching the signature to a document.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was signed" to be more active?

To make the sentence more active, specify who signed it. For instance, instead of "It was signed by the manager", say "The manager signed it". This makes the sentence more direct and clear.

What does "it was signed" imply in a legal context?

In legal contexts, "it was signed" implies that a document has been formally executed, indicating agreement and acceptance of its terms by the signing party. This act makes the document legally binding.

Which is more formal, "it was signed" or "the signature was affixed"?

"The signature was affixed" is generally more formal than "it was signed". You might use the former in legal or official documents, while the latter is suitable for general use.

Can I use "it was signed off" instead of "it was signed"?

While both phrases indicate approval, "it was signed off" often implies a final approval in a process, whereas "it was signed" simply means a signature was added. Consider the context to choose the more appropriate phrase.