a sign of progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sign of progress" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is an indication or evidence of improvement or advancement in a particular area. Example: "The increase in renewable energy usage is a sign of progress towards a more sustainable future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a sign of progress.

The New York Times

This is largely a sign of progress.

The Economist

Surprisingly, this is a sign of progress.

The Economist

That's a sign of progress.

The Guardian - Opinion

Is that a sign of progress?

The New York Times

That was a sign of progress.

The New York Times

"I think it's a sign of progress," she said.

The New York Times - Style

China's handling of H7N9 was a sign of progress.

The Economist

But namby-pambyism is a sign of progress.

The Economist

Engels might have regarded that as a sign of progress.

The Economist

Maybe that in itself is a sign of progress.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sign of progress" to highlight specific instances or developments that indicate positive change in a larger process or situation. For example, 'The new educational program's improved test scores are a sign of progress in the district'.

Common error

Avoid using "a sign of progress" in vague or overly general statements. Ensure the progress is tangible and clearly linked to the sign. For instance, instead of simply stating 'The project is a sign of progress', specify 'The completion of phase one is a sign of progress toward the project's overall goal'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sign of progress" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies or describes something as an indicator of advancement or improvement. As Ludwig AI points out, it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sign of progress" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that effectively highlights positive developments across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical status, supported by numerous examples from authoritative sources. Its primary function is to indicate advancement or improvement, fostering optimism and encouragement. While versatile, it's best used when the progress is tangible and clearly linked to the sign, and Ludwig examples helps to use the phrase in the best way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an indication of improvement

Replaces "sign" with "indication" and "progress" with "improvement", focusing on the act of something getting better.

a promising sign

Emphasizes the potential and hope associated with the sign.

evidence of advancement

Substitutes "sign" with "evidence" and "progress" with "advancement", highlighting the proof of moving forward.

a mark of improvement

Focuses on the improvement aspect using the word "mark" instead of "sign".

a step forward

Uses a more metaphorical expression, implying movement in a positive direction.

a positive development

Replaces the directional aspect of "progress" with a focus on the overall positivity of the change.

an upward trajectory

Highlights the rising or improving nature of the situation or trend.

an encouraging trend

Shifts the focus to a pattern or tendency that suggests positive future outcomes.

a harbinger of better things

Implies the phrase is an omen or signal for a more promising future.

a good omen

Emphasizes that the sign is a portent of good things to come.

FAQs

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

Use "a sign of progress" to indicate a specific development or event that demonstrates improvement. For example, "The decline in unemployment is "a sign of progress" in the city's economic recovery".

What are some alternatives to "a sign of progress"?

You can use alternatives like "an indication of improvement", "a step forward", or "evidence of advancement" depending on the context.

Is it always positive to describe something as "a sign of progress"?

While generally positive, the phrase "a sign of progress" should be used when there's genuine evidence of advancement. Ensure that the claim is supported by facts and context to avoid misleading interpretations. Consider if "a positive development" is a better fit.

What makes "a sign of progress" different from "a promising sign"?

"A sign of progress" indicates that actual advancement has occurred, while "a promising sign" suggests potential for future improvement. The former is more concrete, while the latter implies hope or expectation.