a positive sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a positive sign" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is encouraging or indicative of a favorable outcome. Example: "The increase in sales this quarter is a positive sign for the company's growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"That's a positive sign.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a positive sign".

The New York Times

So that's a positive sign".

The New York Times - Sports

Got a positive sign here.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That was a positive sign.

The New York Times

I think that's a positive sign.

The New York Times

So that is a positive sign".

Independent

That could be a positive sign".

The New York Times

That was a positive sign, she said.

The New York Times

"We see that as a positive sign".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I think that is a positive sign".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a positive sign", ensure the context clearly indicates what the sign is positive for. For example, "The decrease in unemployment is a positive sign for the economy."

Common error

Avoid using "a positive sign" without specifying what it signifies. Saying "Things are a positive sign" is vague. Instead, be specific: "The early bloom is a positive sign that spring is arriving soon."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a positive sign" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object complement. It identifies something as being indicative of a favorable outcome or improvement, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a positive sign" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate something encouraging or indicative of a favorable outcome. According to Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase expressing optimism and is suitable for various registers, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. Remember to specify what the sign is positive for to avoid vagueness. Consider using alternatives like "an encouraging indication" or "a promising development" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an encouraging indication

Emphasizes the hopeful nature of the sign, suggesting it inspires confidence.

a promising development

Highlights the potential for future success or improvement implied by the sign.

a good omen

Suggests a sign that foretells a positive outcome, often with a slightly more formal or literary tone.

a favorable indicator

Focuses on the sign as a reliable measure or predictor of something positive.

a hopeful signal

Stresses the communicative aspect of the sign, conveying a message of optimism.

a welcome development

Highlights that the sign brings good news and is something to be pleased about.

grounds for optimism

Emphasizes the reason for hope that the sign provides.

cause for hope

Highlights the reason for hope that the sign causes.

a reason to be encouraged

Focuses on the emotional response elicited by the sign, prompting feelings of encouragement.

an auspicious signal

Indicates that something is likely to be followed by success.

FAQs

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

You can use "a positive sign" to indicate something encouraging or indicative of a favorable outcome. For example, "The company's increased profits are "a positive sign" for its future growth."

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

You can use alternatives like "an encouraging indication", "a promising development", or "a good omen" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "a positive sign" in formal writing?

Yes, "a positive sign" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral and clear way to express that something indicates a favorable outcome. For a slightly more formal alternative, consider "a favorable indicator".

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

While "a positive sign" and "a good sign" are often interchangeable, "a positive sign" might carry a slightly more formal or analytical tone, whereas "a good sign" is more general and conversational.