was not signed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not signed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a document or agreement has not been signed by the relevant parties. Example: "The contract was not signed by the client, which delayed the project start date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The order was not signed.

The New York Times

The document was not signed by any district employees.

The New York Times

But the deal was not signed until Wednesday.

The New York Times

After the 2007 season, he became a free agent but was not signed by a team.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because it was not signed, the auction house at that time only attributed it to Bernini.

The New York Times - Arts

Redskins Coach Jim Zorn insisted Woodson was not signed just for this week.

The New York Times

In fact, the last of the contracts was not signed until Dec. 27, he said.

The New York Times

He was not signed by another team and has not played this season.

The New York Times

The Dane was not signed in time to be eligible to play.

The Guardian - Sport

Sheen said he was not signed up for any future acting projects.

The Guardian

The agreement was not signed by the guerrillas but by ethnic Albanian political leaders.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "was not signed", ensure the context clearly indicates what document or agreement is being referred to, and why the lack of a signature is significant.

Common error

Avoid using "was not signed" when the active voice would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "the contract was not signed by the CEO", consider "the CEO did not sign the contract" to make the sentence more concise and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not signed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that an action (signing) did not occur. It describes a state of incompleteness or lack of validation for a document or agreement, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was not signed" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to indicate the absence of a signature on a document or agreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its prevalent use in news and media, as well as encyclopedic contexts. Alternatives like "remained unsigned" or "was not ratified" can provide nuanced variations. Understanding the context and implications of a document lacking a signature is crucial for effective communication, and being aware of the appropriate register ensures its correct application in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained unsigned

Focuses on the state of being unsigned, rather than the action.

was not ratified

Specifically implies that an agreement or treaty did not receive formal approval.

was not executed

Suggests that the agreement or document was not officially put into effect.

was left unsigned

Emphasizes that the act of signing was omitted or avoided.

did not bear a signature

Focuses on the absence of a signature on a document.

lacked a signature

A more concise way of stating the absence of a signature.

was not countersigned

Indicates that another necessary signature was missing.

was not approved

Indicates the absence of approval, often implying a lack of signature from an authority.

went unendorsed

Suggests a lack of support and formal approval.

failed to be signed

Highlights the failure or inability to obtain a signature.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was not signed" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "remained unsigned" or "was not ratified", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when a document "was not signed"?

It means that the document lacks the necessary signatures to be considered legally binding or officially approved. The implications depend on the document's nature and the specific requirements for its validity.

Is it correct to say "has not been signed" instead of "was not signed"?

Yes, both phrases are grammatically correct, but they imply slightly different timelines. "Was not signed" refers to a specific point in the past, while "has not been signed" implies a continued lack of signature up to the present time. Choose the phrase that best fits your intended meaning.

How does the absence of a signature affect a contract that "was not signed"?

Generally, a contract that "was not signed" is not legally binding. However, there may be exceptions depending on the specific circumstances and applicable laws. For example, implied contracts or agreements may be enforceable even without a formal signature.