signed off

USAGE SUMMARY

"signed off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the end of a process or event. For example: The building renovations were finally signed off on March 20th.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Business groups signed off.

The New York Times

Weinstein signed off.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Paley signed off.

The New York Times

Mr. Ebersman signed off.

The New York Times

He signed off on everything".

The New Yorker

You're signed off.

The Guardian - Books

The bank's credit committee signed off.

The New York Times

North signed off in three spades.

The New York Times

Palmer signed off in three no-trump.

The New York Times

They signed off, the Afghan leader said.

The New York Times

South signed off in three no-trump.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "signed off" when you want to indicate that a formal approval or agreement has been obtained, especially in business or official contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "signed off" in casual conversations where simpler terms like "agreed" or "approved" would be more appropriate. Using formal language in informal contexts can sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

"Signed off" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, signifying the act of formally approving or endorsing something. Ludwig AI shows many examples where individuals or committees "signed off" on decisions, plans, or documents, emphasizing the completion of an approval process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "signed off" is a phrasal verb indicating formal approval, agreement, or completion. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically correct and very common, especially in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's best suited for professional or official contexts rather than casual conversation. Alternatives like "approved" or "endorsed" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use "signed off" when emphasizing a formal approval process and avoid it in informal settings to maintain appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approved

This alternative directly replaces the action of formally agreeing or endorsing something.

endorsed

Similar to "approved", but suggests a more active and public show of support.

gave approval

Rephrases the action as the act of providing permission or agreement.

authorized

Implies granting formal permission for something to proceed.

validated

Suggests confirming the correctness or legitimacy of something.

gave the go-ahead

An idiomatic alternative meaning to grant permission to start something.

signed the agreement

Focuses on the act of formally agreeing to terms, often legal.

gave consent

Implies agreement, often after consideration or deliberation.

concluded

Focuses on completion or finalization, often in a written communication context.

finished

Indicates the end of a process or task, suitable when "signed off" refers to completing something.

FAQs

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

You can use "signed off" to indicate approval or agreement, as in "The committee "signed off" on the new budget" or to signal the end of a communication, such as "She "signed off" with a friendly goodbye".

What's the difference between "signed off" and "approved"?

"Approved" is a general term for giving consent or agreement. "Signed off" often implies a more formal or official endorsement, often involving documentation or a structured process.

What can I say instead of "signed off" when closing an email?

Alternatives to "signed off" for closing an email include phrases like "Best regards", "Sincerely", or simply "Thank you", depending on the level of formality.

Is "signed off on" grammatically correct?

Yes, "signed off on" is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in American English, to indicate that someone has given their approval for something.