signed by hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "signed by hand" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It can be used when a signature is applied to a document using handwriting, as opposed to an electronically-created signature. For example, "The contract was signed by hand and witnessed by both parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

And these are all really signed by hand?

The New Yorker

The letter bore Mr. Morsi's typewritten name at the bottom, but it was not signed by hand.

The New York Times

He sent a first one this month, signed by hand, saying the tribunal was illegitimate and must therefore release him.

The New York Times

The app will allow residents to begin the voter registration process, using account data to fill out the form; the document will still have to be signed by hand and submitted by mail, but the form will be easier to obtain.

The New York Times

The outsourced contracting company I am currently registered with sends me my timesheet (Excel) and expenses forms (Word) via email, but oddly require that I printout the forms and get them signed by hand before I send them back via snail mail?!

TechCrunch

I proposed that the EAC amend its regulations to expressly permit an electronic version of the federal form to be filled out and signed by hand electronically on touchscreen mobile devices, and then e-mailed to the appropriate state election officials.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

He called it "not normal" for her to ask Thomas to sign by hand 4,500 letters to season-ticket holders.

The New York Times - Sports

They point to a 1986 amnesty law, signed by Ronald Reagan, which handed green cards to nearly 3m illegals.

The Economist

A letter signed by May was hand-delivered to Donald Tusk, President of the European Council in Brussels Wednesday, officially notifying the bloc that Britain was triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty in order to end its 44-year membership.

Vice

The walls were fettered with a series of anonymous D-list celebrity portraits — not always signed by their subjects — and hand-written notices informing you of the price of a slice of cheesecake ($5.50).

The New Yorker

Last month, a petition calling for gender equality in politics – signed by 5,500 Uruguayans – was handed to party leaders in the presence of the actor Emma Watson, UN Women's goodwill ambassador.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "signed by hand" to emphasize the authenticity and personal touch of a signature, especially when contrasting it with digital or automated signatures.

Common error

Avoid using "signed by hand" when it's already clear the context implies a physical signature. For instance, in historical contexts where digital signatures were impossible, specifying "signed by hand" becomes redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "signed by hand" functions as a passive verb phrase specifying the method of signing. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it emphasizes the physical act of signing as opposed to digital methods.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "signed by hand" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that specifies a physical method of signing a document. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often used to contrast with electronic signatures and emphasize authenticity. While its frequency is uncommon, its contexts span news, science and general usage. The phrase is typically neutral in register, and should be used when the physical nature of the signature is relevant and not already implied by the context. Remember, specifying "signed by hand" when the context already implies a physical signature may lead to redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Manually signed

Focuses on the manual aspect of the signature, omitting the 'by hand' clarification.

Personally signed

Emphasizes the personal involvement in the signing process.

Hand-autographed

Highlights the autograph aspect, suggesting a more personal or collectible signature.

Signed with one's own hand

Adds emphasis on the signer's direct physical action.

Physically signed

Focuses on the physical act of signing rather than electronic means.

Inked signature

Highlights the use of ink in the signature process.

Authentically signed

Emphasizes the genuineness and validity of the signature.

Handwritten signature

Focuses on the handwriting aspect of the signature.

Original signature

Highlights the signature's originality, contrasting with copies.

Signed manually

Highlights the lack of automation in signing the document.

FAQs

When is it important to specify a document was "signed by hand"?

Specify "signed by hand" when contrasting with electronic or digital signatures, or when emphasizing the authenticity of a physical signature. This clarifies that the signature was physically applied, rather than generated digitally.

What are some alternatives to saying "signed by hand"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "manually signed", "personally signed", or "handwritten signature".

Is there a legal difference between a signature "signed by hand" and an electronic signature?

Yes, the legal validity of each depends on jurisdiction and specific regulations. Generally, a signature "signed by hand" is traditionally accepted, while electronic signatures often require compliance with specific e-signature laws like ESIGN in the US or eIDAS in the EU.

Why would a company require a document to be "signed by hand" instead of electronically?

Some companies prefer signatures "signed by hand" due to perceived increased security, legal precedent, or simply because their internal systems haven't been updated to handle electronic signatures securely. They might also value the personal touch associated with a physical signature.