Sign of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Sign of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an indication or evidence of something, often in a context where one is interpreting signs or signals. Example: "The dark clouds are a sign of an impending storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sign of tension.

The New York Times

Sign of a crackdown?

The New Yorker

Sign of the Times.

Forbes

Sign of a bubble?

Forbes

A sign of vulnerability.

The New York Times

A sign of weakness?

The Economist

(No sign of Trigger).

The New York Times - Arts

A sign of recovery?

The Economist

A sign of life?

The Economist

A sign of nerves?

The New York Times

No sign of Ali.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Sign of", ensure the connection between the sign and what it signifies is clear to the reader. Avoid ambiguity by providing context.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something is a "Sign of" something else, it directly causes it. Correlation does not equal causation; further evidence may be needed to establish a causal link.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Sign of" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It indicates a relationship or association between two things, where one serves as an indicator of the other. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it commonly introduces an interpretation or assessment of a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Sign of" is a versatile and frequently used expression, serving as a crucial linguistic tool for interpreting events and assigning meaning. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate across various contexts, from news reports to scientific analyses. Its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist underscores its reliability. While "Sign of" is generally neutral, it's essential to avoid the common error of mistaking correlation for causation when interpreting signs. Consider using alternatives like "indication of" or "evidence of" for nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Indication of

Replaces "Sign of" with a more formal term emphasizing the act of pointing something out.

Evidence of

Suggests tangible proof rather than a mere indication.

Manifestation of

Implies a more visible or apparent display of something.

Symptom of

Specifically refers to signs of a disease or problem.

Mark of

Indicates a distinctive characteristic or trait.

Hint of

Suggests a subtle or indirect indication.

Clue to

Implies something that helps solve a mystery or problem.

Token of

Suggests a symbolic representation.

Proof of

Emphasizes a conclusive demonstration.

Index of

Indicates a measure or scale.

FAQs

How to use "Sign of" in a sentence?

You can use "Sign of" to indicate an indication or evidence of something. For example, "The increase in sales is a sign of economic recovery".

What can I say instead of "Sign of"?

You can use alternatives like "indication of", "evidence of", or "manifestation of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "Sign of" or "Signs of"?

"Sign of" is used for a singular indication, while "Signs of" is used for multiple indications. For example, "That was a sign of maturity" vs. "There are signs of recovery".

What's the difference between "Sign of" and "Symbol of"?

"Sign of" refers to an indication or evidence, while "Symbol of" refers to something that represents something else. For example, "The dark clouds are a sign of rain" vs. "The dove is a symbol of peace".