signed off on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "signed off on" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used in business contexts to indicate that an official document has been approved by an authorized person. For example: After reviewing the project proposal, the supervisor signed off on it and sent it to Human Resources.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And one was reached that Netanyahu signed off on, apparently.

The New Yorker

He signed off on everything".

The New Yorker

The F.A.A. signed off on these designs.

The New York Times

The district police signed off on this.

The New York Times

"The French signed off on it; we signed off on it," Mr. Kerry said.

The New York Times

They signed off on the consultations.

The Guardian - Business

"Everyone would have signed off on it.

The New York Times - Sports

Bob and Michael signed off on everything.

The New York Times - Magazine

Channel 4 signed off on each concession.

The New Yorker

"He signed off on all of them".

The Guardian

We never signed off on this log-line.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "signed off on" when you want to emphasize that a formal approval process has been completed, especially in business or bureaucratic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "signed off on" in very informal conversations; simpler terms like "approved" or "agreed" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "signed off on" functions primarily as a verb indicating the act of giving formal approval or authorization. It implies that a process of review and acceptance has taken place. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "signed off on" is a phrasal verb indicating formal approval or authorization, primarily used in professional and news contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used, signifying that a review and acceptance process has taken place. While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing it in very informal settings, opting for simpler alternatives like "approved" or "agreed". The phrase's frequent appearance in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and acceptance in both written and spoken English. Remember that related alternatives include "approved", "authorized", and "endorsed", each carrying slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approved

A more direct and formal synonym, lacking the nuance of completing a process.

authorized

Similar to 'approved', but emphasizes granting official permission.

endorsed

Suggests active support and recommendation, not just passive approval.

sanctioned

Implies a more formal or legal approval, often involving rules or regulations.

gave the green light to

A more idiomatic and informal way of saying 'approved'.

signed the agreement

Focuses on the act of signing as confirmation of approval, rather than the approval itself.

rubber-stamped

Implies a quick and uncritical approval, often without careful consideration.

blessed

A more figurative and informal term for approval, implying a wish for success.

validated

Emphasizes the confirmation of accuracy or correctness, rather than simple approval.

gave assent to

A formal and somewhat archaic term for giving approval or agreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "signed off on" to indicate that someone has given formal approval or authorization for something. For example, "The manager "signed off on" the budget request" or "The committee "signed off on" the new policy".

What is a simple alternative to "signed off on"?

A simpler alternative to "signed off on" is "approved". Depending on the context, you might also use "agreed to", or "authorized".

What does it mean to "sign off on" something?

To "sign off on" something means to give your official approval or authorization, often by signing a document. It implies that you have reviewed the information and are satisfied with it.

Is "signed off on" the same as "signed off"?

No, "signed off" typically means to end a communication or indicate that you are finished with something. "Signed off on" specifically means to give approval or authorization.