personally signed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personally signed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has signed a document or letter themselves, emphasizing their personal involvement. Example: "The contract was officially validated when it was personally signed by the CEO."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The DOJ's media scandal deepened when it was recently reported that Attorney General Eric Holder personally signed off on search warrants for Rosen's personal emails.

Huffington Post

He personally signed an application for asylum.

The New York Times

The cooperation agreement was personally signed by Mr. Vecchione.

The New York Times

"Everything there was in my office, personally signed by Joe.

The New York Times - Sports

The baskets are made in Ohio out of maplewood and are personally signed by their weavers.

The New Yorker

He refused to say whether he had personally signed off on the subpoenas for the records.

The New York Times

And this week he's personally signed up more ARM members at functions in Sydney.

The Guardian

Hirst has teasingly offered a personally signed and dedicated spot print to anyone prepared to fly to every location.

Independent

C James Murdoch personally signed a £780,000 cheque for a hacking victim without knowing it was a widespread practice.

Independent

Mr Penner personally signed his passport picture and application form, but says he was misled through an identity fraud.

The Economist

It requires an annual "internal control report", which must be certified by auditors and personally signed off by two executives.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "personally signed" to emphasize the direct involvement and responsibility of the signer, particularly when the act of signing carries significant weight or authority.

Common error

Avoid using "personally signed" in casual or informal situations where a simple "signed" would suffice. Overusing it can sound unnecessarily formal or even pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personally signed" primarily functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun (e.g., document, letter, item) to indicate that the signature was affixed by the individual themselves. Ludwig confirms its validity and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

13%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "personally signed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that emphasizes the direct involvement of an individual in signing a document or item. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news and media, wiki, and science contexts, conveying authenticity and personal responsibility. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding overly formal. Consider alternatives like "signed by hand" or "individually signed" to fine-tune the specific nuance. Overall, "personally signed" is a valuable tool for emphasizing direct action and accountability in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Signed by hand

Emphasizes the manual aspect of signing, contrasting with digital signatures.

Hand-signed

Similar to "signed by hand", emphasizing the manual nature.

Individually signed

Highlights the separate and distinct nature of each signature.

Directly signed

Underscores the absence of intermediaries in the signing process.

Personally endorsed

Focuses on the act of giving personal approval or support.

Officially signed

Indicates that the signature carries official weight and legitimacy.

Duly signed

Implies that the signature was made in accordance with proper procedures.

Autographed

Specifically refers to a signature as a memento or collectible.

Personally authenticated

Highlights the verification aspect of the signature, confirming its genuineness.

Personally validated

Stresses the act of confirming or ratifying something through one's signature.

FAQs

What does "personally signed" mean?

The phrase "personally signed" means that someone has signed something themselves, indicating their direct involvement and confirmation of the document or item.

When should I use "personally signed" instead of just "signed"?

Use "personally signed" when you want to emphasize that the signature was done directly by the individual, highlighting their personal responsibility or approval. Otherwise, "signed" is usually sufficient.

What are some alternatives to "personally signed"?

Alternatives include "signed by hand", "individually signed", or "personally endorsed", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "personally signed off" the same as "personally signed"?

While related, "personally signed off" implies an additional layer of approval or authorization, whereas "personally signed" simply indicates the physical act of signing. You could use "personally approved" as a more fitting synonym for "personally signed off".