Formal, General & Business Letter Writing

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:14:43 GMT

I belive either way is correct. At least that is what the wikapedia website confirmed! What I am trying to find out is how to sign a letter on behalf of a board of directors group. Would I have the president sign and then underneath write p.p. (name of agency board of directors)?

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:11:12 GMT

I am even more confused after reading all the answers to this question. It appears that there are different ways to sign: signed: Joe Smith p.p. Jane Doe signed: p.p. Jane Doe Joe Smith which is the most correct way pls/thanks

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Mister Micawber — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 22:50:06 GMT

I'd say that it is up to the senior manager to decide who pp's for him.

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 15:51:32 GMT

A disciplinary letter was handed to me, in an envelope, by a junior HR person who had signed the letter "pp" for the most senior HR manager in teh organisation. The person who signed the letter is junior to me. My view is that the "junior" I now privy to a disciplinary matter. Should she have been asked to sign the letter?

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Clive — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:26:37 GMT

Hi, The interesting link above focuses on legalities. With regard to concerns about the legal consequences of signing on behalf of someone else, I think that in practical terms a person who knew that something was very important would normally make a strong attempt to sign it themselves. eg The president of a company would normally arrange to sign a letter to a prospective client himself. eg A judge would say I'll sign Tom's death warrant when I get back from vacation next week . Best wishes, Clive

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:32:41 GMT

Additional information here: http://www.wordwizard.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=7221 Quick thought: should we consider the "correct" usage to be the original usage or the prevalent usage? Personally, I'll be avoiding using this particular abbreviation ever again. Chris (on his own behalf)

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Grammar Geek — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:58:39 GMT

You are asking a business question, not an English question. Is it the person whose name appears on the letter asking you to do it? What is to keep you from handwriting a "pp" even if it's not typed there? You can sign your own name with the word "for" handwritten before the person's name in the signature block. If the signature block was "Peter Parker" and anyone other than Peter Parker told me to sign Peter's name, I would refuse as well. If Peter told me to do it, I'd ask if he wanted me to use the "pp" or sign my own name and use the "for." Even so, I wouldn't sign Peter's name with no indication that it wasn't Peter who had signed it.

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:56:26 GMT

Hi there, I have been asked to pp before, which I have had no problem doing. Today however I have been asked to sign the person's name with no pp. I said no on the basis that you never sign something in someone else's name, no matter what it is. Just wanted to find out if I am being ridiculous or not? Thanks, Me

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

MrPedantic — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:02:47 GMT

p.p. or per pro. = "per procurationem". This means "by/through the agency of". The agent is the person who is signing the letter on someone else's behalf. Thus if a PA is signing on behalf of an absent person, the correct form is as follows: Yours sincerely p.p. Name of Absent Person "Per pro." is often misinterpreted, however; so you are likely to see letters where the name of the absent person follows "p.p.". MrP

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:31:08 GMT

I have a vague recollection of something with /s/ . . . maybe /s/(sign his/her name) followed with "by (your name)". Does something like this ring a bell at all?

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Clive — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:40:35 GMT

Hi, Why are two signatures required? Is there some sort of legal aspect involved? If not, I'd just say in the letter 'I am writing on behalf of my wife and myself. We . . . . . blah blah blah . . . . ' And then I'd sign it. Best wishes,Clive

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Mister Micawber — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:55:45 GMT

Why don't you both just sign and avoid the ambiguity?

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:06:25 GMT

Dose the above apply when writing a letter on behalf of myself and my wife. If so is this correct Yours sincerely My signature (then) also pp My Wife’s name

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Clive — Wed, 20 May 2009 12:10:05 GMT

Hi, Yet there are some points that I think should be 'mute'. Stick out tongue" src="http://www.englishforums.com/emoticons/emotion-4.gif" mce_src="/emoticons/emotion-4.gif"> Clive

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Wed, 20 May 2009 10:14:50 GMT

for is used for signing on someone else's behalf

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Mister Micawber — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:39:56 GMT

. I think you mean ' moot '. .

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:26:49 GMT

you dont sign emails! so the point is mute

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:58:00 GMT

How to you do this when the letter is sent via email and you don't have electronic signature.

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:30:42 GMT

there name by your name his/her attornry in fact . this is if you hold power of attorney

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:30:42 GMT

thank you very much, that was very helpful

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Clive — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:30:42 GMT

Hi, First, let me ask whether you have looked at this 6-page discussion of this topic. Best wishes, Clive

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:30:42 GMT

how do I pp a letter

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:30:42 GMT

per procurationem p.p. Secretary's Signature President's Name or President's Name p.p. Secretary's Signature Commonly in practice, an alternative form is used: Secretary's Signature p.p. President's Name http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Per_procurationem

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Clive — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:30:42 GMT

Hi, May I ask if you have read the thread to see if your questions have already been asked and answered? Bets wishes, Clive

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:30:43 GMT

What does the "pp" stand for? Do you sign your name also?

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:30:43 GMT

Just put in PP

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:30:43 GMT

rania akiki p.p. Maurice

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:30:43 GMT

pp = per procurationem (A Latin phrase meaning that you are signing the letter on somebody else's behalf; if they are not there to sign it themselves, etc)

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Clive — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:30:43 GMT

Hi, Sign your own name. Clive

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:30:43 GMT

do i sign my own name when pp a letter or do i sign the person who i am signing on behalf of

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Clive — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:30:43 GMT

Hi, May I ask if you have read the earlier posts in this thread? Best wishes, Clive

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:30:43 GMT

What does the PP stands for?

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:30:43 GMT

you are a star. you just saved me from looking like a muppet in front of my boss.

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:30:43 GMT

Now I am confused! If the letter is already typed in the name of the missing person (because he/she was supposed to be there to sign) but had to leave. Do you have to re-type? Please someone make it easier to understand. Thanks, Andre

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Clive — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:30:43 GMT

Hi, May I ask if you have read the earlier posts in this thread? Best wishes, Clive

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:30:43 GMT

hello If I am authorised to sign a letter on someone else's behalf what do I write? (after my signature and before their name?) it should be some sort of abbreviation, something like p.s. can anyone help??

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:30:43 GMT

Answer posted by Jemima Little is exact & detailed. Thanks to Jamima.

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:30:43 GMT

Hi there My understanding was always that the p.p. should go before the signature of the person who is signing, although common usage often has it the other way around (which is formally incorrect I suppose, but who cares...well, me maybe, but whatever). A good explanation can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procuration . Si

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:30:43 GMT

Hi there! As a former German and English teacher and presently working for a research foundation, I have been in the same situation. In American English, you may write "for" after signing your name . www.askoxford.com , the British "proper" style is using the abbreviation, " p.p .", per procurationem, from Latin, meaning 'through the agency of'. Again, you would use these initials after signing your first and last name. Great question!

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Clive — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:30:43 GMT

Hi, Type the bottom of such a letter like this. Yours sincerely, John Doe Now sign your name in the space above the words 'John Doe'. Now hand-write the word 'for' to the left of the words 'John Doe'. Best wishes, Clive

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:30:43 GMT

Hi Tim, Thank you....I am still alittle confused for example ???? " for john doe and then I sign ??? and do you print his name afterward also Thank you

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Clive — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:30:43 GMT

Hi, If I am signing on behalf of my boss, please clarify whether 'for' will be used before my signature or before the name of my boss? If Person A is signing for Person B, then clearly 'for' should be written before Person B.i e Person A for Person B Best wishes, Clive

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:30:43 GMT

What an interesting argument. I was attempting to find the answer to this question as well. I've seen points for both sides, the "pp" in front of your signature, or "pp" in front of the person you are signing for, etc. Here's a link that helped me: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procuration

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:30:43 GMT

Hi Tim, If I am signing on behalf of my boss, please clarify whether 'for' will be used before my signature or before the name of my boss? Please clarify as soon as possible!!

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:30:43 GMT

this was also very useful for me!!! thanks very much!

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:30:43 GMT

If someone is out of the office and a memo or letter has been completed for their signature and they authoize me to sign on their behalf how should the my signature or initials appear on the document.

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:30:43 GMT

You cannot "sign" somebody else's name. Only your own. So, as has been said ad nauseum... 1) Sign your own name. 2) Then put "pp" and print the name of the person on who's behalf you are signing. To the person who said this was wrong - sorry but actually it's right. It translates as: "You, on behalf of your boss" which is exactly what you are trying to say.

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:30:43 GMT

My boss has given me permission to sign his name to a letter, how do I specify that I have signed it. Do I put my initials at the end of his name after I have signed his name?

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:30:43 GMT

you should use "pp" in front of the name of the person on whose behalf you sign.

Re: Signing on someone's else behalf

Anonymous — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:30:43 GMT

If YOU are Jane Doe , and you are signing for your director because he is out of the office, it is: JDoe (your signature , not your name) pp John Smith Managing Director This is wrong. Correct is p.p Jane Doe. John Smith p.p means that you are authorised to sign on behalf of. If you put p.p in front of the name of the person you are signing for, it means HE is authorised to sign on behalf of.. Which is not what you're trying to say is it?