signed a document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "signed a document" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of officially endorsing or agreeing to the contents of a document by providing a signature. Example: "After reviewing the terms, she signed a document to finalize the agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On September 16, 2003, Leona signed a document that listed three goals for the planned expenditures.

The New Yorker

Mr. Ai signed a document saying he had been notified he owed back taxes.

The New York Times

Mr. Díez Carabantes, meanwhile, signed a document renouncing any claim to the family fortune.

The New York Times

On May 17th a coalition of them signed a document of principles.

The Economist

The leaders signed a document calling for deeper relations, including three ministerial-level visits a year.

The New York Times

The leader of the rebels' political wing, Ali Ahmeti, signed a document on Wednesday.

The New York Times

On September 21st, they signed a document creating a National Unity Government.

The New Yorker

While he concedes that he signed a document, he says no one explained what the effect would be.

Independent

Dr. Buse eventually signed a document provided by GlaxoSmithKline agreeing not to discuss his worries about Avandia publicly.

The New York Times - Health

They also signed a document to provide power of attorney to Yeslam and "Sheikh Osama Mohamed Binladin".

The New Yorker

What kind of painter is allowed to behave more unspeakably, figurative or abstract?" He signed a document, then another.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or formal situations, consider using "executed a document" as a more formal alternative to "signed a document".

Common error

Be mindful that simply stating someone "signed a document" doesn't automatically mean they understood its contents. Add context to clarify their level of understanding, especially in sensitive situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "signed a document" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of formally endorsing a written agreement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used across various contexts to denote the act of providing a signature to signify agreement or acknowledgment of the document's contents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "signed a document" is a common and grammatically correct verbal phrase used to describe the act of endorsing a document with a signature. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While alternatives like "executed a document" or "endorsed a document" exist for specific nuances, "signed a document" remains a versatile and frequently used expression. It's important to remember that simply stating someone "signed a document" does not guarantee complete understanding of its content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

executed a document

Focuses on the formal completion of a document, often in a legal or business context.

endorsed a document

Implies approval and support by signing.

affixed a signature to a document

Highlights the act of adding a signature to confirm agreement.

put a signature on a document

Simple and direct way of saying signing.

countersigned a document

Sign a document already signed by another.

ratified a document

Gives formal consent to a treaty, contract, or agreement, making it officially valid.

approved a document

Signifies formal agreement, often within an organizational or official context.

validated a document

Confirms or establishes the legality or validity of a document.

authenticated a document

Proves that something is genuine.

subscribed to a document

Formally expresses consent or agreement, often to a set of principles.

FAQs

What does "signed a document" mean?

The phrase "signed a document" means that someone has officially endorsed or agreed to the contents of a document by providing their signature. It indicates their acknowledgment and agreement to the terms outlined within the document.

What can I say instead of "signed a document"?

You can use alternatives like "executed a document", "endorsed a document", or "affixed a signature to a document" depending on the context and level of formality required.

Is it implied that someone understands a document if they "signed a document"?

While signing a document generally implies agreement, it doesn't guarantee full understanding. It's best to provide additional context if understanding is crucial. For example, you might say "They "signed a document" after carefully reviewing its contents".

What's the difference between "signed a document" and "ratified a document"?

"Signed a document" is a general term for endorsing a written agreement. "Ratified a document" means giving formal consent to a treaty, contract, or agreement, making it officially valid, often implying a higher level of formal approval.