This phrase is the starting point of a Volkswagen TV commercial.

Problem:
The conjunction “and” is used even though the adverb “then” is what is meant.

Explanation:
This humorous TV ad begins with a Volkswagen spokesman inviting viewers to attend VW’s “sign and drive” event. The ad then shows future VW customers signing documents on clipboards while they attempt to navigate an automotive obstacle course, presumably at a VW dealership. The drivers obviously are distracted by the task of signing documents; they drive over traffic cones and almost crash into one another. Upon seeing the driving problems, a man in a suit whispers into the VW spokesman’s ear, and the spokesman then announces an “even better” event called the Volkswagen “sign THEN drive” event.

The common English blunder here, which VW illustrated very well, is using the conjunction “and” when the adverb “then” is what is meant. The problem with “and” between two verbs is that it can be (and should be) interpreted as implying parallel, not sequential, actions. Replacing “and” with “then” ensures a sequential-actions meaning.

Unfortunately, many use “and” when they should use “then”. I believe that the use of “and” instead of “then” when the latter is appropriate represents a laziness that favors easier-to-pronounce words. The word “and” is easier than the word “then” to say.

Solution:
“sign THEN drive”