signed by

USAGE SUMMARY

"signed by" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when discussing documents or other items that have been officially signed by someone. For example: The contract was signed by both parties.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Signed by a doctor.

The New Yorker

The report, signed by Maj.

The New York Times

Signed by the production team….

The New Yorker

A treaty signed by Pres.

The New Yorker

Signed by Lake.

Cornell University

Signed by Morris Jeppson.

Cornell University

Signed by Ferrando Gonzaga.

Yale University

Signed by Mallarmé.

Princeton University

Signed by "CR".

Yale University

Signed by the author.

Cornell University

It is signed by Laura Bush.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "signed by" to clearly indicate endorsement or formal agreement, especially in legal or official documentation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "signed by" automatically implies full endorsement. Clarify the signer's specific responsibilities or level of agreement if needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "signed by" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating the agent responsible for signing a document or item. This is evident in the examples provided by Ludwig, where it's used to specify who endorsed or authorized something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

36%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "signed by" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that clearly indicates authorship or endorsement of a document or item. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently across news, academic, and encyclopedia sources. While the phrase is generally neutral to formal, context is key. Alternative phrases like "endorsed by" or "authorized by" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. When using "signed by", ensure the context clarifies the signer's role and authority to avoid misunderstandings. Overall, it's a reliable phrase for attributing signatures in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endorsed by

Emphasizes approval or support, implying a stronger level of agreement than simply signing.

approved by

Similar to 'endorsed by' but focuses more on the act of granting approval.

authorized by

Suggests formal permission or approval, highlighting the legitimacy of the signature.

ratified by

Suggests formal confirmation, often used in the context of treaties or agreements.

attested by

Implies witnessing and confirming the validity of something, often used in legal contexts.

validated by

Emphasizes the act of confirming something's accuracy or legitimacy through a signature.

countersigned by

Indicates a second signature, often required for verification or authorization.

authenticated by

Highlights the signature's role in proving the genuineness of a document or artwork.

initialed by

Refers to the use of initials as a form of signature, typically for internal documents or minor approvals.

under the signature of

A more formal way of indicating who signed a document.

FAQs

How can I use "signed by" in a sentence?

Use "signed by" to indicate who has officially endorsed or authorized a document or action. For example, "The contract was "authorized by" the CEO" or "The law was "approved by" the governor".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "signed by"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "endorsed by", "authorized by", or "attested by" to convey similar meanings.

Is there a difference between "signed by" and "countersigned by"?

"Signed by" indicates the primary signature, while "countersigned by" implies a secondary signature for verification or additional approval. Countersigning adds an extra layer of authentication.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "signed by"?

The phrase "signed by" is most appropriate in formal contexts, such as legal documents, official reports, or agreements, where it's important to clearly identify who has provided their signature.