signed vs countersigned

Both 'signed' and 'countersigned' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Signed' is used when a single signature is required, while 'countersigned' is used when a second signature is needed to validate or authorize a document. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of the document or agreement.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 605 views

The term 'signed' is correct and commonly used when referring to the act of putting a signature on a document or agreement.

"signed"

Use 'signed' when a single signature is required to validate a document or agreement.

Examples:

Please make sure you have signed the contract before submitting it.
The letter was signed by the CEO.

Show examples from the web [+]

Hope he signed his right name.
I've signed a wonderful major book contract.
Some participants signed the "Kimiyya" manifesto.Read more: ...
Here, I signed you up for lacrosse.
Written permission, signed and witnessed.
Cornelia's prenatal examination was signed by Frederick.
We just signed a permanent contract.
I signed a dozen agriculture bills.
Gortak just signed to play pro basketball.
Ian craig never returned signed contracts.
A signed confession Bob Barnes was the driver.
Jim Gilmer just signed his deal.
These foundation documents were signed by Maia.
Listen, all those parents signed releases.
And the same lawyer signed every application.
So the papers were never signed.
You said the artist agreements were signed.
So the adoption papers were signed.
Governor Baxter has not yet signed the extradition papers.
I never signed that nondisclosure agreement.

Alternatives:

executed
endorsed
autographed
sealed
ratified

The term 'countersigned' is correct and is used when a second signature is required to validate or authorize a document. It implies that the second signature is confirming or endorsing the first signature.

" countersigned"

Use 'countersigned' when a document or agreement requires a second signature for validation or authorization.

Examples:

The contract must be countersigned by the legal department.
The check needs to be countersigned by the account manager.

Show examples from the web [+]

This contract is signed, countersigned and notarized.
(b) it is accompanied by a duplicate of the receipted invoice or of the delivery slip, countersigned by the beneficiary.
Where the services or supplies referred to in point (b)(i) are provided to the Agency, evidence of performance shall be in the form of certificates issued or countersigned by the competent authority.
The approved minutes shall be signed by the Chairperson and countersigned by the Director of the Centre.
Signature of the donor, on the donor questionnaire, countersigned by the health care staff member responsible for obtaining the health history confirming that the donor has:
The content of these nine months reports drafted by OLAF investigators is formally countersigned - visaed - by the Head of Unit of the sector in question and by the Director of each of the Investigations and Operations Directorates respectively.
Each task shall be signed off by the student and countersigned by a designated supervisor.
You'll notice the requisition is countersigned by Davros himself.
Cheques to be countersigned, Mr. Kirby.
Moreover, the accounting officer's instructions to the bank are not countersigned by a second person.
I want the Privy Council called and a small force ready to take Princesses Mary and Elizabeth as soon as this is countersigned.
The applicant made an application to refer the matter to the Joint Evaluation Committee contesting his career development report, as countersigned by the countersigning officer.
Paying agents shall submit to the relevant department applications for defrayal of such expenses, duly countersigned by the Member...
This description and the measures concerned must be contained in an inspection report countersigned by the responsible person of the unit.
An inspection report must be drawn up after each visit countersigned by the person responsible for the unit inspected.
A copy of this notification, countersigned and dated by the animal owner, shall be included in the trial documentation.
that the master of the catching vessel has sent a prior notification, countersigned by the ICCAT regional observer on-board, to its flag State authorities;
The applicant may require that a certificate not completed by a Central Authority or by a judicial authority shall be countersigned by one of these authorities.
The report shall be signed by the responsible paying agency official and either countersigned by the operator or, where applicable, by the storekeeper, or sent to the operator by registrable means.

Alternatives:

co-signed
countersealed
dual-signed
endorsed
validated

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signed vs countersigned

"signed"

" countersigned"

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