the undersigned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the undersigned" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal documents to refer to the person or people who have signed the document. Example: "We, the undersigned, hereby agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The declaration reads: "The undersigned oppose a preventive war against Iraq without broad international support.

The New York Times

The petition reads: "We, the undersigned, call on the government to ban the sale of young puppies/kittens unless their mothers are present.

BBC

For many years the undersigned.

The New Yorker

We the undersigned ask you to use this right.

The New York Times

Numerous individuals, including the undersigned, witnessed the activities...

The New York Times

The undersigned assisted in the investigations along with the F.B.I.

The New York Times

We, the undersigned jurors, understand there is a great deal of interest in this case.

The New York Times

The undersigned, at no time, has encountered evidence of fraud by plaintiff".

The New York Times

"No prior counsel and current counsel, including the undersigned, have done so.

The New York Times

We, the undersigned, wish to provide a mouthpiece for European civil society.

The Guardian - Opinion

When he was twelve, he'd brandished a disastrous report card and told his mother, "The undersigned is done with this".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the undersigned" in formal documents such as contracts, petitions, or official statements to clearly identify the person or people who are signing or agreeing to the content. Ensure that all individuals referred to as "the undersigned" have actually signed the document.

Common error

Avoid using "the undersigned" in casual conversations or informal writing. It is a formal phrase and may sound pretentious or out of place in less formal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I" or "we" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the undersigned" functions as a formal noun phrase, typically used to identify the person or persons who have signed a document. Ludwig's examples show it often introduces a statement of agreement, request, or acknowledgement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

27%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the undersigned" is a formal phrase used to refer to the person or people who have signed a document. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in formal and professional contexts such as legal documents, official statements, and petitions. While it adds a tone of authority and clarity, its use should be reserved for appropriate settings, avoiding informal conversations. Consider alternatives such as "the signatory" or simply using "I" or "we" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the signatory

More concise and emphasizes the act of signing.

the signatories

Plural form, referring to multiple signers.

the below-mentioned

Refers to entities mentioned later in the document.

those signing below

Highlights the physical act of signing at the bottom.

the affirming parties

More formal and emphasizes agreement or confirmation.

the agreeing parties

Focuses on the agreement being made.

the consenting parties

Emphasizes the consent given by the signers.

the present writer

More personal and indicates the current author.

the author hereof

Legalistic and refers to the author of the document.

the aforementioned

Refers to something previously mentioned, similar but less direct than "the undersigned".

FAQs

How do I use "the undersigned" in a sentence?

"The undersigned" is used to refer to the person or people who have signed a document. For example, "We, "the undersigned", agree to the terms outlined in this contract."

What's a less formal alternative to "the undersigned"?

In less formal contexts, you can use simpler pronouns such as "I" or "we". For example, instead of saying "The undersigned agree", you could say "I agree" or "We agree".

Is it appropriate to use "the undersigned" in an email?

It depends on the email's formality. If the email is formal or official, using "the undersigned" might be appropriate. However, in most everyday emails, it's better to use "I" or "we" for clarity and conciseness.

What's the difference between "the undersigned" and "the signatory"?

"The undersigned" and "the signatory" are very similar. "The signatory" emphasizes the act of signing, while "the undersigned" simply refers to the person who has signed. They are often interchangeable, but "the undersigned" is slightly more common in general usage.