Which wording prompts a notary to perform an acknowledgment notarial act?

The phrase "Acknowledged before me" specifically indicates that the individual signing the document is confirming their identity and intent in the presence of the notary. This specific wording directly aligns with the definition of an acknowledgment within notarial acts, which requires that the signer be present before the notary and declare that they understand the document and are signing it willingly.

This clarity in language is essential for the notarial process, as it establishes the necessary conditions that the notary must witness to affirm the legitimacy of the signing person's consent. By contrast, the other phrases might imply the presence of a witness or a different type of notarization, but they do not explicitly convey the formal acknowledgment required for this type of notarial act. Thus, "Acknowledged before me" perfectly encapsulates what a notary needs to hear to know that an acknowledgment is taking place.