a harbinger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a harbinger" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that signals or foreshadows a future event or change. Example: "The sudden drop in temperature was a harbinger of the harsh winter to come."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was a harbinger.

The New Yorker

He was a harbinger of genocide.

The New York Times - Books

Or a harbinger of the future.

The New York Times

A harbinger of things to come, perhaps?

The Economist

The first period proved a harbinger.

The New York Times - Sports

But four justices disagreed — a harbinger.

The New York Times

A harbinger of things to come?

The Economist

That gaze is a harbinger.

The New York Times - Arts

"But it was a harbinger".

The New Yorker

But that wasn't a harbinger of revolution.

The New York Times - Books

Some say the fires are a harbinger.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a harbinger" when you want to suggest that something is an early indicator of a significant future development or change.

Common error

Avoid using "a harbinger" in overly casual or informal settings. It is generally more appropriate for formal writing or when discussing serious or significant events. Opt for simpler terms like "sign" or "indication" in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a harbinger" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies something as an indicator or sign of a future event. Ludwig confirms the correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a harbinger" is a noun phrase used to describe something that foreshadows a future event. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media, and science. While it can add a touch of formality, it's important to avoid overusing it in casual contexts. Consider alternatives like "a precursor" or "a sign" for simpler communication. Use it wisely to signal upcoming changes or developments in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a precursor

Focuses on the idea of something coming before and paving the way for what follows.

a herald

Implies an official announcement or sign of something to come, often with a formal connotation.

a forerunner

Similar to precursor, emphasizing something that precedes and influences future developments.

a sign of things to come

A more explicit phrase, directly indicating that something is predictive of future events.

an omen

Carries a sense of foreboding or prophecy, often associated with supernatural beliefs.

a portent

Similar to omen, suggesting a sign of significant future events, often negative.

an indication

A more general term for something that points to a future possibility or trend.

a foretaste

Suggests a brief experience of something that will be more fully realized in the future.

a promise

Emphasizes the positive potential of a future event based on current signs.

a premonition

Implies an intuitive feeling or warning about a future event, often negative.

FAQs

How can I use "a harbinger" in a sentence?

You can use "a harbinger" to indicate that something is an early sign or indicator of a future event. For example, "The recent policy changes are "a harbinger" of broader economic reforms".

What can I say instead of "a harbinger"?

You can use alternatives like "a precursor", "a forerunner", or "a sign" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a harbinger" or "the harbinger"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A harbinger" refers to something that acts as an individual sign or indicator, while "the harbinger" can refer to a specific entity or a well-known sign.

What's the difference between "a harbinger" and "a herald"?

"A harbinger" generally indicates something that foreshadows a future event, while "a herald" suggests an official announcement or a sign with more formality.