should be signed vs should sign

Both "should be signed" and "should sign" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Should be signed" is passive voice, indicating that the action of signing will be done by someone or something else. On the other hand, "should sign" is active voice, indicating that the subject is expected to perform the action of signing.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 2724 views

should be signed

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in contexts where the subject is not the one performing the action of signing.

This phrase is used in passive voice to indicate that someone or something else is expected to perform the action of signing. It is often used when talking about documents, contracts, or agreements.

Examples:

The contract should be signed by both parties.
The permission slip should be signed by a parent or guardian.
The form should be signed and returned by Friday.
The agreement should be signed electronically.
The petition should be signed by as many people as possible.

Show examples from the web [+]

The Agreement initialled in Brussels on 19 November 2008 should be signed and the attached declarations be approved.
The Agreement initialled in Brussels on 12 November 2008, should be signed and the attached declarations approved.
The agreement negotiated by the Commission should be signed and provisionally applied.
(2) The Agreement should be signed,
The protocol should be signed by the sponsor and:
The Agreement, initialled at Brussels on 17 January 2005, should be signed,
The Agreement should be signed subject to its conclusion,
The Fisheries Partnership Agreement should be signed,
The revised MoU should be signed,
The Agreement should be signed and applied provisionally, pending completion of the procedures for its conclusion.
The Amending Protocol should be signed,
Subject to its possible conclusion at a later date, the Agreement initialled in Brussels on 18 December 2004 should be signed.
The Agreement should be signed and approved,
(3) Subject to its possible conclusion at a later date, the Agreement initialled in Brussels on 18 December 2004 should be signed.
The new Protocol should be signed,
The passport should be signed by the doctor and the patient before the operation as a clear declaration of consent.
(3) The Agreement should be signed and approved,
(4) Subject to its possible conclusion at a later date, the Protocol to the Europe Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products initialled in Brussels on 18 April 2006 should be signed.
Subject to its conclusion at a later date, the Agreement should be signed and should be applied on a provisional basis.
The Agreement, initialled at Brussels on 17 January 2005, should be signed,

Alternatives:

needs to be signed
must be signed
is required to be signed
ought to be signed
has to be signed

should sign

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in contexts where the subject is expected to perform the action of signing.

This phrase is used in active voice to indicate that the subject is expected to perform the action of signing. It is often used when giving instructions or recommendations.