Learn English – Does using ‘pen’ as a verb unambiguously mean that what is written was written with a pen

ambiguitymeaningmeaning-in-context

I am rewriting an employee handbook. I have a goal of making the handbook more understandable. In some cases this means I have to put more ideas than what the previous handbook has, because the previous handbook was ambiguous (or sometimes it didn't even explain something that we have treated as a rule anyway).

However, putting new ideas means putting more words. Putting more words can slowly deteriorate understanding (people can only pay attention for so long).

In an effort to be more concise, I considered changing the sentence "Please sign your name legibly and in pen" to "Please legibly pen your signature."

In retrospect, I realize that this probably won't make things much more understandable, but I still wonder: If I say someone should pen their signature, does that unambiguously mean that they should use a pen?

Best Answer

I would leave the original alone, it's perfectly clear as it stands

Please sign your name legibly and in pen

I would avoid using the word pen as a verb in contracts and official documents. More often than not, to “pen something” means to create, to write, or be the author of. To tell someone to ‘pen’ a signature would suggest that they compose it.

Below is a list of the most common collocations with the verb pen used transitively

  • he penned a letter
  • he penned a few lines
  • pen an essay
  • pen some poetry
  • pen a message
  • pen a note

The following is a list of simple unambiguous instructions

  1. Please write in pen
  2. Please use a pen
  3. Please sign here ……………………
  4. Signature ……………………

The first two instructions are typically used in paper-based exams (also called pen and paper exams) and for filling out forms.

Examples 3 and 4 are commonly used in forms or contracts.
Common sense dictates that it is preferable for the signee to use a pen with indelible ink.

Writing one's name in pencil should be best avoided because it is easy to smudge or erase but it is legally binding nevertheless.

What Are the Rules Regarding Signatures in Contracts?

Usually, a signature is simply someone's name written in a stylized fashion. However, that is not really necessary. All that needs to be there is some mark that represents you. It can be – as many signatures end up – a series of squiggles, a picture, or historically, even the traditional "X" for people who couldn't read and write. As long as it adequately records the intent of the parties involved in a contractual agreement, it's considered a valid signature.

Usually this mark is made by a pen, but not necessarily. The signature can be made by anything that marks the paper. Pencil is not favored because it can smudge and be erased, but a signature made with a pencil is equally valid as a signature in pen. Signatures can also be made with stamps or with electronic means, since these are all different forms of writing implements.

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