a compelling sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a compelling sign" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that strongly indicates or suggests a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The increase in community engagement is a compelling sign that our outreach efforts are making a difference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Last year, Anne Meyer came across a compelling sign taped to a pawnshop window in downtown San Antonio.

The New York Times

It's a compelling sign, Thomson says, that "climate has a strong influence on mountain building".

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

For an even more compelling sign that jewelry's past is, in fact, quite present, just look to the fascinating work being done at Birmingham City University's jewelry industry innovation center, in Britain.

The New York Times

He said one compelling sign was that affiliated banks were transferring less money through his bank.

The New York Times

It was another compelling sign that the party was closing ranks around Mr. Kerry as its likely nominee.

The New York Times

One "really compelling" sign that the mechanism is important in people would be if high levels of C1q in cerebrospinal fluid early on predicted developing full-blown Alzheimer's later in life, he says.

Science Magazine

Swimming pools, private cinemas, tennis courts and stables are particularly compelling signs to dump the stock.

The Guardian

Absent unemployment benefits (which will expire at the end of February if Congress does not extend them) and aid to hard-pressed states, there are, as yet, no compelling signs that consumer demand will hold up this year.

The New York Times

Indiana began a series of paintings in 1961 with a bold sense of graphic design and an affinity for symmetry and the dynamics of American advertising, Sometimes critical of consumer tendencies or political excesses in American culture, Indiana's images combined stenciled text and numbers and hard-edged bright colour fields into compelling signs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With giant dinosaurs of Modernist abstraction by Alexander Calder, Alexander Liberman and Mark di Suvero looming over the gently rolling landscape, it takes visitors back to a nearly forgotten era — the 1960s — when sheer bigness and industrial materials and processes were compelling signs of sophisticated sculptural ambition.

The New York Times - Arts

"The Great Property Bubble Of China May Be Popping" declared the Wall Street Journal in June of that year.This week the same newspaper cited "compelling signs the Chinese property boom is over," noting that "Cassandras" have been predicting a crash for years.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a compelling sign" when you want to emphasize that something strongly suggests a particular conclusion or outcome. It is useful when arguing a point or presenting evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "a compelling sign" when the evidence is weak or ambiguous. Ensure that the sign truly offers strong support for your claim; otherwise, it can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a compelling sign" functions as a noun phrase, where "compelling" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "sign". It serves to highlight the significance or forcefulness of the sign being referenced. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science & Research

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a compelling sign" is a phrase used to denote strong evidence or an indicator that strongly suggests a particular conclusion. According to Ludwig AI, it's correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. To enhance your writing, use this phrase when you want to emphasize that something strongly points to a specific outcome. Conversely, avoid using it when the evidence is weak or ambiguous to maintain credibility. Alternatives such as "a persuasive indication" or "a strong indicator" can be employed depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a persuasive indication

Emphasizes the convincing nature of the sign or evidence.

a strong indicator

Focuses on the sign's ability to point towards a particular conclusion.

a convincing piece of evidence

Highlights the evidentiary aspect of the sign, stressing its believability.

a telling symptom

Suggests the sign reveals an underlying condition or situation.

a significant clue

Emphasizes the sign as a key to understanding something.

a noteworthy signal

Highlights the importance of the sign as a communicative element.

an impactful omen

Suggests the sign carries a prediction or warning.

a powerful suggestion

Focuses on the sign's ability to imply a certain outcome strongly.

an unmistakable portent

Implies the sign is a clear indication of future events.

a revealing manifestation

Highlights how the sign shows something previously hidden or unknown.

FAQs

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

Use "a compelling sign" to introduce evidence or indicators that strongly support a particular conclusion. For example, "The increase in sales is "a compelling sign" of the product's success."

What are some alternatives to "a compelling sign"?

You can use alternatives like "a persuasive indication", "a strong indicator", or "a convincing piece of evidence" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a compelling sign" in formal writing?

Yes, "a compelling sign" is suitable for formal writing when presenting convincing evidence or arguments. It adds emphasis and clarity to your points.

What distinguishes "a compelling sign" from "a possible sign"?

"A compelling sign" indicates strong and convincing evidence, whereas "a possible sign" suggests only a potential or tentative indication. Use ""a compelling sign"" when the evidence is robust and persuasive; otherwise, opt for "a possible sign".