a sign of change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sign of change" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is indicative of a transformation or shift in a situation, behavior, or trend. Example: "The increase in community engagement is a sign of change in our town's approach to local issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Was it really a sign of change?

The New Yorker

Mr. Diaz is a sign of change in the Bronx.

The New York Times

"It's a sign of change and progress," said one supervisor.

The New York Times

Some hoped it was a sign of change.

The New York Times

It seems they know that their existence itself is a sign of change.

The New Yorker

In a sign of change, two outsiders were elected to top legislative positions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

I think that's a sign of changes.

Yale University

But last week's rally may be a sign of changes to come.

The Economist

Mr. LaValle said that his vote was "no setup" and that the disagreement among the six Republicans was a sign of changes he was bringing to the town.

The New York Times

Many people in Van Nest have rallied around the idea of a bank, holding onto it as a sign of changes to come.

The New York Times

In medical research, particularly in the field of rheumatology, there is great interest about the concept of responsiveness of outcome measures as a sign of changes in the patient's health status.

Reumatología Clínica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sign of change", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is changing and why it is significant. Be specific about the nature of the change and its potential impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a sign of change" for minor or insignificant alterations. Ensure the change you're highlighting is substantial and meaningful, not merely superficial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sign of change" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. As seen in Ludwig, it identifies something as indicative of a transformation or shift. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "a sign of change" is a versatile and frequently used phrase, indicating a transformation or shift across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business domains. To maximize the effectiveness of the phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what the change is and its significance. While the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal writing, avoid using it for minor alterations to prevent overstating the significance. Semantically related alternatives include "an indication of progress" and "a harbinger of transformation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an indication of progress

Focuses more on the positive aspect of the change, implying improvement.

a harbinger of transformation

Suggests the change is imminent and significant.

a symbol of evolution

Implies a gradual and natural development.

a token of new era

Highlights the beginning of a different period.

a shift in direction

Emphasizes a change in course or approach.

an omen of transition

Suggests a broader, possibly unsettling, change.

a mark of alteration

Focuses on the fact that something is different, without specifying the nature of the change.

evidence of development

Implies growth or advancement as a result of the change.

a signal of adjustment

Suggests adaptation to new circumstances.

a trace of innovation

Highlights the introduction of something new or inventive.

FAQs

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

Use "a sign of change" to indicate that something suggests a shift, transformation, or new development. For example, "The new policy is "a sign of change" in the company's approach to sustainability."

What's the difference between "a sign of change" and "a sign of changes"?

"A sign of change" refers to a singular, general shift, while "a sign of changes" suggests multiple, specific alterations. The choice depends on whether you're highlighting a broad transformation or several distinct modifications.

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

You can use alternatives like "an indication of progress", "a harbinger of transformation", or "a shift in direction" depending on the context.

Is "a sign of change" formal or informal?

"A sign of change" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it versatile for various writing styles.