to be signed off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be signed off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where approval or authorization is required, often in professional or formal settings. Example: "The project is ready to be signed off by the manager before we proceed to the next phase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Originally, this meant that every loan had to be signed off individually.

The Guardian - Business

It did not need to be signed off by the DoH.

The Guardian

The reviews are expected to be signed off by convention's working group Friday and published next week.

The New York Times

Any letter to be sent to those users will also need to be signed off by the judge.

The Guardian - Film

The project has to be signed off by the water department, the road department, the pollution control board.

The Guardian

"It has to be signed off on by a judge and the prosecutors office tomorrow," he said.

The New York Times

The project would cost more than £500m and is expected to be signed off early in 2016.

The Guardian

"It is not at all uncommon for inspection reports to be signed off on without being performed".

The New York Times

The police photographer who attended the Bissett crime scene had to be signed off work for two years.

The Guardian

But Hungary is trying to negotiate an €20 billion ($26 billion) stand-by deal with the IMF, which needs to be signed off by the EU.

The Economist

"So my management decided they needed to go through two people and then it all has to be signed off by someone".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to be signed off", ensure the context clearly identifies who needs to provide the signature or approval. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity.

Common error

Be mindful of the difference between the verb phrase "to be signed off" (meaning to be approved) and the noun "sign-off" (meaning the act of approval or the permission itself). Using them interchangeably can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be signed off" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that an action (signing off) is being performed on a subject. Ludwig confirms its usability. It often appears in sentences where approval or authorization is required.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be signed off" is a common and grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to indicate that something requires formal approval or authorization. Ludwig confirms its widespread use across various contexts, primarily in news, business, and technical domains. Alternatives such as "to be approved" or "to be authorized" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. It's important to distinguish the verb phrase from the related noun "sign-off" to avoid confusion. Overall, the phrase is a reliable way to express the need for formal endorsement in a variety of settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be approved

Focuses specifically on the act of giving approval.

to be authorized

Emphasizes the granting of official permission.

to receive approval

Shifts focus from the action being completed to the act of approval.

to be ratified

Implies a formal confirmation, often in legal or political contexts.

to gain authorization

Emphasizes the act of obtaining official permission.

to be endorsed

Suggests support and approval, sometimes implying recommendation.

to be sanctioned

Highlights the official permission, often with a sense of authority.

to be validated

Focuses on confirming the accuracy or legitimacy.

to be cleared

Indicates that an obstacle has been removed, allowing progress.

to be finalized

Highlights the completion of a process, implying readiness.

FAQs

What does it mean for something "to be signed off"?

When something is "to be signed off", it means it needs to be formally approved or authorized, usually by someone in a position of authority. This often involves a signature as a demonstration of approval.

What can I say instead of "to be signed off"?

You can use alternatives like "to be approved", "to be authorized", or "to be endorsed" depending on the specific context.

Is "to be signed off" formal or informal?

The phrase "to be signed off" leans towards the formal side, making it appropriate for professional or official contexts. However, it's also used in news and media, suggesting a neutral register.

Who typically needs "to be signed off" on something?

The person who needs "to be signed off" on something depends on the context, but it's usually someone with authority or responsibility, such as a manager, director, or government official.