signed earlier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "signed earlier" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a document or agreement that was signed at a previous time. Example: "Please refer to the contract that was signed earlier for the terms of our agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

McSorley, 37, a 17-year N.H.L. veteran who won Stanley Cups with Edmonton in 1987 and 1988, signed earlier in the day with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the International Hockey League.

The New York Times - Sports

The long-expected announcement came as Canada finally steps forward to ratify the Paris Agreement, signed earlier in 2016.

Vice

Cover: Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) speaks during a press conference regarding the executive order President Donald Trump signed earlier on Thursday, on Capitol Hill, October 12, 2017, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images).

Vice

Livingston and Blatche signed earlier Thursday.

The New York Times - Sports

Tight end Anthony Becht, the 27th pick, signed earlier.

The New York Times - Sports

Matsui took less but signed earlier, accepting his standing in the market.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The contract was signed earlier this month.

The New York Times - Arts

Thome, a free agent, signed earlier this week with Philadelphia.

The New York Times - Sports

The deal was struck in November and officially signed earlier this month.

The Guardian - Business

Tyco, an American conglomerate, took this approach with Eversheds, a British firm, in a deal signed earlier this year.

The Economist

Arsenal paid around £300,000 in training costs for each of the players, who were signed earlier this year.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "signed earlier", ensure the context clearly indicates what event or date you're comparing the signing time to. This helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "signed earlier" without specifying a clear point of reference. For example, instead of saying 'the contract was signed earlier', specify 'the contract was signed earlier that week' for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "signed earlier" functions as a modifier, indicating that an action (signing) occurred at a time before another action or point of reference. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to specify the timing of a signature relative to something else.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "signed earlier" is a grammatically correct and commonly used modifier to indicate that an action of signing occurred at a time before another action or reference point. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to provide context and clarify the sequence of events. This phrase is most frequently found in news and media, but it also appears in wiki and formal business contexts, indicating a neutral formality level. For clarity, it's crucial to specify the point of reference when using "signed earlier" to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "previously signed" or "signed beforehand" can also be used depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously signed

Uses an adverb to indicate time before the signing.

signed previously

Uses an adverb to denote a prior time of signing.

signed beforehand

Emphasizes that the signing happened before a specific event or time.

signed in advance

Indicates a prior signing, focusing on preparation.

signed at an earlier date

Specifies the signing occurred on a date in the past.

signed some time ago

Indicates a signing happened in the more distant past.

signed in the past

General indication that signing happened during past time.

already signed

Emphasizes the completion of the signing action.

executed previously

Uses a more formal term, "executed", to indicate the signature.

ratified before

Specifically for treaties or agreements, highlights prior ratification.

FAQs

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

You can use "signed earlier" to indicate that a document or agreement was signed at a previous time. For example: "The agreement, "signed earlier" this week, outlines the terms of the partnership."

What's a good alternative to "signed earlier"?

Alternatives include "previously signed", "signed previously", or "signed beforehand", depending on the desired emphasis and context.

Is it better to say "signed earlier" or "previously signed"?

Both "signed earlier" and "previously signed" are correct. The choice depends on stylistic preference, although "signed earlier" may be slightly more common in everyday language.

What does "signed earlier" imply about the context?

"Signed earlier" implies a comparison to a later event or action, suggesting the prior signing has relevance to the current situation. For instance, "The contract was "signed earlier", so we must adhere to its terms."