was signed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was signed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a document or agreement has been officially signed in the past. Example: "The contract was signed by both parties on March 1st."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was signed "Mrs".

The New York Times

It was signed: "P.

The New York Times

treaty was signed.

The New Yorker

The recipe was signed "Fanny".

The New York Times

And it was signed 'Dawn'Dawn

Independent

It was signed Jesus Christ.

The New York Times

It was signed, "The Neighborhood".

The New York Times

The letter was signed, "F.P".

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was signed, "Alec Guinness".

The New York Times

It was signed "Team Amazon".

The New Yorker

Another was signed "R.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was signed", ensure the context clearly indicates what was signed (e.g., a contract, treaty, or document) and who signed it.

Common error

Avoid using "was signed" without specifying the subject; be clear about what document or agreement is being referenced. For example, instead of saying "The deal was signed", specify "The contract was signed by both parties."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was signed" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that an action (signing) has been completed upon a specific subject. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows many examples where "was signed" is used to describe the ratification or completion of agreements and documents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was signed" is a grammatically correct and very common passive verb construction used to indicate the official endorsement or completion of a formal agreement or document. As Ludwig confirms, it frequently appears in contexts such as news reporting, encyclopedias, and legal documentation. To ensure clarity, it's best to specify what exactly "was signed" and who performed the signing action. While versatile, it maintains a primarily neutral to professional register, making it suitable for diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was endorsed

Focuses on approval or support, implying a formal agreement.

was ratified

Highlights the official confirmation process, typically for treaties or agreements.

was formalized

Emphasizes the act of making something official or legally binding.

was executed

Indicates the completion of a legal document, emphasizing the act of carrying out the terms.

was validated

Stresses the confirmation of correctness or legitimacy.

was authorised

Implies that the action received necessary permissions or approvals.

was agreed upon

Highlights the mutual agreement and consensus among involved parties.

was sealed

Conveys finality and commitment, often with a sense of ceremonial closure.

was settled

Suggests that an agreement has been reached after negotiation or dispute.

was contracted

Focuses on the establishment of a contractual obligation.

FAQs

How is "was signed" used in a sentence?

"Was signed" indicates that a formal agreement or document has been officially endorsed. For example, "The treaty "was signed" by representatives of both nations".

What are some alternatives to "was signed"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "was endorsed", "was ratified", or "was executed".

Is it correct to say "the document was signed to"?

No, the correct phrasing is "the document "was signed"". The preposition "to" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context.

What is the difference between "was signed" and "signed"?

"Was signed" is in the passive voice, indicating that the action was performed on the subject. "Signed" is in the active voice, implying the subject performed the action. For example, "The contract was signed" (passive) vs. "He signed the contract" (active).