a sign

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sign" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a physical object, or a symbol used to convey an idea or concept. For example: "I saw a sign that said 'No Parking' and knew I should find a different spot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A sign….

The New Yorker

Not just a sign, but a SIGN.

The New York Times

Give us a sign!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Wasn't that a sign?

The New Yorker

A sign of vulnerability.

The New York Times

A sign said "#timeisprecious".

The New Yorker

Was it a sign?

The Guardian - Sport

A sign of weakness?

The Economist

No, it's a sign.

The New Yorker

That's a sign.

The New Yorker

A sign of recovery?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sign", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning. Use it to refer to a physical object, an indication of something, or an omen.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a sign" automatically implies a positive or negative outcome; its interpretation depends entirely on context. Always provide sufficient information to clarify what the sign signifies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sign" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it referring to a physical object or indicating something else, aligning with the AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sign" is a common and versatile noun phrase used to indicate, represent, or symbolize something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. It is frequently found in news and media, as well as in wiki and science-related content. While versatile, it's important to provide context to avoid misinterpretations. By understanding its diverse functions, writers can effectively incorporate "a sign" into their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an indication

Focuses on something that points out or shows something else, often subtly.

a signal

Emphasizes a deliberate act or device used to convey information.

a clue

Suggests a piece of evidence that helps solve a mystery or problem.

a hint

Highlights a subtle or indirect suggestion.

a token

Implies something serving as a visible or tangible representation of a fact, quality, or feeling.

a mark

Refers to a visible impression or trace on something.

an omen

Suggests something perceived as a prophetic indication of a future event.

a harbinger

Highlights something that foreshadows a future event.

a manifestation

Focuses on the clear appearance or display of something abstract.

a symptom

Indicates a condition or problem, typically in medical or abstract contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sign" to refer to a physical object (e.g., "I saw "a sign" that said 'Stop'") or as an indication of something (e.g., "His improved performance is "a sign" of progress").

What are some alternatives to using "a sign"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "an indication", "a signal", or "a clue".

Is it always necessary to clarify what "a sign" refers to?

While not always necessary, clarifying what ""a sign"" represents can enhance clarity, especially if the context is ambiguous. For instance, specifying ""a sign" of improvement" provides more information than just ""a sign"".

Can "a sign" be interpreted differently in different contexts?

Yes, the interpretation of ""a sign"" varies depending on the context. In a religious context, it might refer to a divine message, whereas in a scientific context, it could indicate a specific phenomenon or result.