a sign of relief

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sign of relief" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone experiences relief from a situation. For example: "When the exam was over, it was a sign of relief for the students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"It was probably a sign of relief".

The New York Times - Sports

It was almost a sign of relief on the 7th".

The New York Times

Then, if it doesn't happen, we can breathe a sign of relief.

The New York Times

"The World Series win last year breathed a sign of relief," High said.

The New York Times - Sports

After the subject's card was drawn, the heart rate and breathing would even out, a sign of relief.

University of California, Berkeley

"The main thing is a sign of relief that he's healthy, or almost healthy," John Franco said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

I withheld any sign of relief, as what amounted to no more than about three English pounds was handed over.

The Guardian - Travel

Based on that scenario, the department's Energy Information Agency still predicts that American gasoline prices will turn higher before there is any sign of relief.

The New York Times

And after each song there was robust applause, perhaps a sign of the relief that came with completion of these half-full sentiments.

The New York Times - Arts

After darkness fell, soldiers in tanks and armored personnel carriers were welcomed with cheers in downtown Alexandria, perhaps a sign of Alexandrians' relief that some semblance of order would be retained after the destruction of a day spent venting pent-up anger.

The New York Times

The dispatch of these tankers is more an indicator of the likelihood of long-term disruptions than a sign of coming relief.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sign of relief" to clearly indicate a reduction in stress, worry, or burden following a challenging situation. For example, "The end of the project deadline was a sign of relief for the team".

Common error

Avoid using "a sign of relief" for trivial situations; it's best suited for moments where genuine stress or difficulty has been alleviated. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sign of relief" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or object, describing something that indicates or represents a feeling of alleviation from stress or worry. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sign of relief" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe something that indicates or brings about a feeling of lessened stress or worry. As supported by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media, with a neutral register appropriate for diverse audiences. While alternatives exist, each carries subtle differences in meaning. When using this phrase, consider the gravity of the situation to ensure it accurately reflects the level of alleviation experienced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wave of relief

Implies a sudden and overwhelming feeling of relief, often stronger than just a sign.

a sense of reassurance

Focuses on the feeling of being secure and confident, rather than just relieved.

a breath of fresh air

Suggests a new and positive change providing relief from a stagnant or negative situation.

a load off one's mind

Emphasizes the removal of a burden or worry, leading to relief.

a feeling of ease

Highlights the comfort and lack of anxiety resulting from a relieved state.

a comforting thought

Refers to a thought that brings solace and relief from worry.

a positive indication

Focuses on the optimistic aspect, suggesting things are improving.

a welcome development

Highlights that an event is pleasing and provides relief.

a favorable omen

Implies that something good is foreshadowed, bringing relief from uncertainty.

a cause for celebration

Suggests that the event warrants joy and celebration, stemming from the relief of a successful outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sign of relief" to describe a feeling or event that indicates the end of stress or difficulty. For instance, "The successful surgery was "a sign of relief" for the patient's family".

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a wave of relief", "a sense of reassurance", or "a breath of fresh air".

Is it appropriate to use "a sign of relief" in formal writing?

Yes, "a sign of relief" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its clarity and common usage make it appropriate for a variety of contexts.

What is the difference between "a sign of relief" and "a sigh of relief"?

"A sign of relief" refers to an indication or event that brings relief, while "a sigh of relief" is the act of audibly exhaling to express relief. The former is an external indicator; the latter is a personal expression.