Assigner is the correct spelling in most contexts, while Assignor is a less common variant.
Many people search for “assigner or assignor” because both terms appear in legal documents, contracts, and business communications.
The confusion arises from their similar appearance and pronunciation, but in formal English, only one is technically correct in legal and professional contexts.
Understanding the difference between assigner and assignor is essential for lawyers, contract managers, business owners, and anyone handling assignments of rights or obligations.
Using the wrong term can lead to misunderstandings, reduce credibility, or even affect the enforceability of legal documents.
This article explains which term is correct, explores the origin of both words, highlights common mistakes, compares usage in British and American English, and provides examples across professional, formal, and everyday contexts.
By the end, you will confidently know when and how to use these terms correctly.
Assigner or Assignor ; Quick Answer
- ✅ Assignor → Correct in legal and formal contexts
- ❌ Assigner → Less common, informal, or incorrect in legal English
Examples
- ✅ The assignor transferred the contract rights to the assignee.
- ✅ All obligations of the assignor are now the responsibility of the assignee.
- ❌ The assigner transferred the contract rights to the assignee.
Rule: In legal, financial, or contractual documents, always use assignor.
Read more about: Hoping or Hopeing: Which Spelling Is Correct?
The Origin of Assigner or Assignor
Assignor
The word assignor comes from “assign” + “ or”, following the Latin root pattern: a person who performs an action. This is typical in legal English, where Latin based suffixes indicate roles:
- Actor → someone who acts
- Executor → someone who executes
- Assignor → someone who assigns
Assignor has been used in English legal texts since at least the 17th century to clearly define the party transferring rights or obligations.
Assigner
Assigner is a modern English adaptation influenced by general English patterns for verbs ending in er:
- Teacher → someone who teaches
- Manager → someone who manages
While logical in everyday English, assigner is rarely used in legal or formal contexts and may be considered incorrect in contracts.
British English vs American English Spelling
Both British and American English use assignor in formal and legal contexts. There is no accepted regional variation for this term.
| Word | British English | American English | Correct? |
| Assignor | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✔️ |
| Assigner | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Use assignor for:
- Legal contracts and agreements
- Business documentation
- Financial and corporate communications
- International legal references
Avoid assigner, except in casual or non legal contexts. Even in informal writing, assignor is often understood and preferred.
Common Mistakes with Assigner or Assignor
- Legal documents
- ❌ The assigner transferred all obligations.
- ✅ The assignor transferred all obligations.
- ❌ The assigner transferred all obligations.
- Business emails
- ❌ Please confirm that the assigner signed the agreement.
- ✅ Please confirm that the assignor signed the agreement.
- ❌ Please confirm that the assigner signed the agreement.
- Educational materials
- ❌ The assigner is responsible for notifying the assignee.
- ✅ The assignor is responsible for notifying the assignee.
- ❌ The assigner is responsible for notifying the assignee.
Tip: When drafting contracts, always consult legal style guides to confirm correct terminology.
Assigner or Assignor in Everyday Examples
Emails
- ✅ The assignor has completed the transfer of rights.
- ❌ The assigner has completed the transfer of rights.
News or Articles
- ✅ According to the contract, the assignor must notify the assignee within 30 days.
- ❌ According to the contract, the assigner must notify the assignee within 30 days.
Social Media or Blogs
- ✅ In real estate deals, the assignor often transfers the lease rights to a buyer.
- ❌ In real estate deals, the assigner often transfers the lease rights to a buyer.
Formal Writing
- ✅ All obligations of the assignor are legally binding on the assignee.
- ❌ All obligations of the assigner are legally binding on the assignee.
Assigner or Assignor ; Google Trends & Usage Data
Search trends show:
- Assignor → High usage in legal, financial, and business contexts
- Assigner → Minimal usage, mostly in informal contexts or spelling confusion
| Term | Popularity | Context |
| Assignor | High | Legal documents, contracts, business |
| Assigner | Low | Casual writing, social media, spelling queries |
Comparison Table: Assigner vs Assignor
| Spelling | Correct | Usage | Notes |
| Assignor | ✅ Yes | Legal, professional, formal | Always preferred in contracts and agreements |
| Assigner | ❌ No | Informal, casual | Avoid in professional or legal writing |
FAQs
1. Is assigner correct?
No, it is generally considered incorrect in legal and professional contexts.
2. Which is more common, assignor or assigner?
Assignor is widely accepted and preferred in contracts, agreements, and legal references.
3. Can assignor be used as a noun and adjective?
Yes:
- Noun: The assignor signed the contract.
- Adjective: Assignor obligations must be fulfilled.
4. Is there a difference between British and American English?
No, both use assignor in professional and legal writing.
5. Can I use assigner in emails?
It is understood but not recommended; using assignor is more professional.
6. How can I remember the correct spelling?
Think of Latin root legal words with “ or” suffixes: assign + or → assignor.
7. Does spell check recognize assigner?
Most legal spell checkers flag assigner as incorrect.
Conclusion
The difference between assigner or assignor is simple: assignor is the correct term for legal, professional, and formal contexts, while assigner is informal and rarely accepted.
Using assignor ensures clarity and professionalism, particularly in contracts, real estate transactions, business agreements, and financial documentation.
Always follow the Latin root suffix pattern: verb + or for the party performing the action. Avoid assigner in formal writing to prevent misunderstandings or errors.
Following this guidance guarantees your writing is precise, credible, and legally accurate.
I am James Whitmore. I love clear and honest English. I write to make hard words feel simple. My goal is to help readers write with confidence, without fear or confusion.
