a clear sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear sign" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an obvious indication or evidence of something, often in contexts where a conclusion or inference is being drawn. Example: "The sudden drop in temperature is a clear sign that winter is approaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they are a clear sign to other plutocrats.

The Economist

When you go, I hope for a clear sign,.

The New Yorker

That, in my experience, is a clear sign of regression".

The New Yorker

This gives a clear sign of intimidation for all the journalists working in the region".

Independent

His stubbornness in pursuing the race is a clear sign that he has much to learn.

The New York Times

That was a clear sign that Chinese officials were intensely concerned about inflation.

The New York Times

But it is a clear sign that the competition is heating up.

The Economist

But his quick exit was also a clear sign of the gravity of the Church's crisis.

The New Yorker

In Pakistan, the event was interpreted as a clear sign of his political momentum.

The New Yorker

That was a clear sign of a desire to head off trouble.

The Economist

The group's defeat in Tal Abyad is a clear sign of that.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a clear sign", ensure the connection between the sign and what it indicates is logical and easily understood by the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a clear sign" when the sign is already inherently obvious. Overusing it can make your writing seem redundant or condescending.

Linguistic Context

"A clear sign" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies something as an obvious indicator, providing evidence or confirmation of a particular state or event. Ludwig AI examples illustrate how it introduces conclusions or interpretations based on observed evidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear sign" is a versatile phrase used to indicate an obvious indicator or evidence. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific writing. While its register is generally neutral, it's essential to avoid redundancy by overusing it in situations where the sign is already inherently obvious. Alternatives like "a definite indication" or "a distinct signal" can be used for variety. By understanding its function and appropriate usage, you can effectively incorporate "a clear sign" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a definite indication

Replaces "sign" with "indication", emphasizing a more formal and direct conveyance of information.

a distinct signal

Substitutes "sign" with "signal", implying a more active and intentional form of communication.

an obvious symptom

Uses "symptom" instead of "sign", suggesting the phrase is used in the context of identifying a problem or issue.

a telling indication

Replaces "clear" with "telling", emphasizing that the sign is revealing or significant.

a plain indicator

Substitutes "clear" with "plain" and "sign" with "indicator", suggesting simplicity and ease of understanding.

a manifest demonstration

Uses more formal synonyms, "manifest" and "demonstration", for "clear" and "sign", respectively, increasing the formality of the phrase.

a palpable manifestation

Employs "palpable" and "manifestation" for a more emphatic and descriptive tone.

a readily apparent indication

Adds "readily apparent" to emphasize the ease with which the indication can be observed.

an unmistakable marker

Substitutes "sign" with "marker", implying that the phrase is used to note or identify something.

an undisputable indication

By changing 'clear' to 'undisputable', implies there is no room for doubt about the sign's meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "a clear sign" in a sentence?

"A clear sign" is used to indicate something that obviously points to a particular conclusion. For example: "The increase in sales is "a clear sign" that the new marketing campaign is working."

What can I say instead of "a clear sign"?

You can use alternatives like "a definite indication", "a distinct signal", or "an obvious symptom" depending on the context.

Is there a more formal way to express "a clear sign"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "a manifest demonstration" or "a palpable manifestation", which are suitable for academic or professional writing.

When is it appropriate to use "a clear sign" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that something is an obvious indicator of something else. Use it when the connection between the sign and the conclusion is direct and easily understood.