a sign of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sign of" is correct and can be used in written English.
Example: The dark clouds in the sky were a sign of an approaching storm.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A sign of vulnerability.

The New York Times

A sign of weakness?

The Economist

A sign of recovery?

The Economist

A sign of life?

The Economist

A sign of nerves?

The New York Times

It's a sign of balance.

The New York Times - Food

It's a sign of strength.

The New York Times

A sign of huge feelings.

Independent

A sign of nerves, perhaps?

The New York Times

"It's a sign of narcissism.

The New Yorker

"That's a sign of maturity.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sign of" to introduce evidence or indicators of a particular condition, quality, or event. For example, "Increased sales are a sign of economic recovery."

Common error

While "a sign of" is versatile, avoid using it in overly simple statements where direct language is more effective. For example, instead of "Rain is a sign of wet weather", simply state "Rain means the weather is wet."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sign of" functions as a noun phrase acting as a predicate nominative or appositive. It identifies or describes a preceding noun, indicating that the subject is evidence or a symptom of something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is standard and accepted in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sign of" is a versatile and frequently used expression in the English language, functioning as a noun phrase to indicate evidence, symptoms, or symbols of something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread acceptance across diverse contexts. As evidenced by its high frequency in news, media, and formal business writing, "a sign of" serves to establish connections and interpretations. To enhance clarity and avoid redundancy, consider using synonyms like "an indication of" or "a symbol of", when appropriate. Mastery of "a sign of" helps writers convey nuanced meanings with effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an indication of

Focuses more on the act of pointing something out or suggesting something, rather than simply being evidence.

a symbol of

Emphasizes the representative nature of the sign, rather than just its indicative quality.

an emblem of

Suggests a more formal or established representation.

a mark of

Implies a distinct characteristic or feature that identifies something.

a token of

Highlights the expression of something, such as an emotion or quality.

a demonstration of

Focuses on the active display or proof of something.

a manifestation of

Suggests a more tangible or visible expression of something.

a symptom of

Specifically refers to an indication of a disease or disorder.

an instance of

Points to a specific occurrence or example, rather than a general indicator.

a clue to

Implies a hint or piece of information that helps solve a mystery or problem.

FAQs

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

Use "a sign of" to indicate that something is evidence or an indication of something else. For example, "Her smile was a sign of happiness" or "The company's growth is a sign of success".

What are some alternatives to "a sign of"?

You can use alternatives such as "an indication of", "a symbol of", or "a manifestation of", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a sign of" or "an indication of"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a sign of" is generally more common and widely understood. "An "indication of"" might be more appropriate in formal or technical contexts.

When is it not appropriate to use "a sign of"?

Avoid using "a sign of" when a more direct and concise statement is possible. For example, instead of saying "This is a sign of importance", you could simply say "This is important".