a positive omen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a positive omen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a sign or indication that suggests a favorable outcome or good fortune. Example: "The arrival of the first flowers in spring is often seen as a positive omen for the upcoming season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

If there was a positive omen to it, he completed the gesture without wincing.

The New York Times - Sports

Some have even read it as a positive omen for the 2017 elections in Germany and France.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the face any obstacle, there was only good luck, a positive omen and a brighter future.

The New York Times

Callison believed that his home run was a positive omen for the Phillies — that 1964 would be their year.

The New York Times - Sports

Some people said that was a positive omen Mr. Gensler and Mr. Wetjen would make their deadline.

The New York Times

That Benítez was able to rejuvenate his frontman after such a disappointing season is a positive omen for Newcastle's misfiring frontline, perhaps especially for Aleksandar Mitrovic, whose connection with Gluscevic extends beyond a shared Eastern European heritage.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

A more positive omen for United is that their record win in any competition came against Anderlecht – a 10-0 triumph way back in the 1956 European Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

The return of the Governor will hopefully see her newfound benevolence come to an end in a crescendo of whirling katanas and lopped-off limbs, and the promise of her inevitable showdown with Morrissey is a hugely positive omen for the rest of the series.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Jurgen Klopp's consolation from a generally unsatisfying Anfield stalemate is a positive historic omen.

The Telegraph

The first positive omen came Tuesday afternoon, when Howe found a $100 bill in his clubhouse office.

The New York Times - Sports

The positive omen seemed to prevail.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a positive omen" to suggest a favorable outcome or good fortune. Ensure the context clearly establishes what the omen refers to and why it is considered positive.

Common error

Be aware that omens are culturally specific. What is considered "a positive omen" in one culture might be meaningless or even negative in another. Always consider your audience and the cultural context when using this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a positive omen" functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or object, describing something as an indicator of good fortune or a favorable outcome. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a positive omen" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a sign or event that suggests a favorable outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and appears predominantly in News & Media. When employing this phrase, consider the cultural implications and ensure the context clearly explains what constitutes the "omen" and why it's considered "positive". Alternatives like "a good sign" or "an auspicious sign" can be used for variety while maintaining clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a good sign

A more straightforward and common way to express a favorable indication.

a favorable sign

Emphasizes the favorability of the indication.

a hopeful sign

Emphasizes the hopefulness associated with the sign.

an auspicious sign

Focuses on the favorable nature of the sign; more formal.

a lucky sign

Associates the sign with good fortune or luck.

a promising indication

Highlights the potential for a positive outcome.

a bright prospect

Focuses on the positive outlook suggested by the sign.

an encouraging development

Highlights the development as something that boosts morale or confidence.

a harbinger of success

Suggests the sign is a predictor of future success.

a turn for the better

Suggests a change from negative to positive, indicating improvement.

FAQs

How can I use "a positive omen" in a sentence?

You can use "a positive omen" to describe something that indicates a favorable outcome. For example, "The early bloom of the cherry blossoms was seen as "a positive omen" for a bountiful harvest."

What are some alternatives to "a positive omen"?

You can use alternatives like "a good sign", "an auspicious sign", or "a promising indication" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "positive omen" a commonly used phrase?

While not extremely frequent, "a positive omen" is a recognized and understandable phrase, especially in contexts related to predictions, superstitions, or hopeful events.

What's the difference between "a good omen" and "a positive omen"?

While very similar, "a positive omen" may imply a more active or impactful indication of good fortune, whereas "a good omen" can be more general.