execute a contract

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiomlegalbusiness

   To sign a contract, making it officially valid and binding.

   Grammar: Takes an object: execute a contract. Often used in the passive: the contract was executed.

   Patterns

   • execute a contract with someone
   • the contract was executed by both parties

   Both companies agreed to execute the contract before the end of the month.

   The buyer and seller will execute the contract at the lawyer's office tomorrow.

   Once you execute the contract, you are legally bound by its terms.

2. 2phraseidiomlegalbusiness

   To carry out the actions required by a contract.

   Grammar: Less common than the signing sense; usually clear from context.

   Patterns

   • execute a contract faithfully
   • fail to execute a contract

   The builder must execute the contract according to the agreed schedule.

   If they fail to execute the contract, they may be sued for breach.

Common combinations

execute a contract

The parties will execute a contract next week.

duly executed

The deed was duly executed and filed with the court.

execute an agreement

They executed an agreement to share the profits.

execute a document

You need to execute the document in front of a witness.

Synonyms and how they differ

sign

To write your name on a document; 'execute' is more formal and means the signature makes it legally valid.

conclude

To finalize an agreement; 'execute' focuses on the formal signing step.

Word family

execution noun

The act of signing a contract or carrying out a plan.

executive noun

A senior manager who puts decisions into effect.

Commonly confused: execute a contract or enforce?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “execute a contract”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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