a sign saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "a sign saying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a written message, often on a sign. For example: "I saw a sign saying 'No Smoking' near the entrance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A sign saying "U.S.

The New Yorker

That was like sticking on a sign saying "rob me".

The Economist

One held a sign saying, "We Have a Dream, Too".

The New York Times

I've just seen a sign saying 120 miles to Denver!

The Guardian

One person carried a sign saying "Alaska Decides, Not D.C".

The New York Times

We put up a sign saying "pick your own raspberries".

The New York Times

Hanging by the entry is a sign saying "relax".

The New York Times

Around her neck hangs a sign saying "goodness".

The New York Times - Books

About twenty feet from the ground was a sign saying, "Escalade Interdite".

The New Yorker

She wore her clerical collar and held a sign saying, "Equality now".

The New York Times

I put a sign saying Prisoner Cell Block 8 on my office door".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing signs, ensure the wording on the sign is accurately quoted and properly punctuated within the phrase. For example: "The store had a sign saying, 'Closed for renovation'."

Common error

Avoid paraphrasing the text on the sign. Always provide the exact wording within quotation marks to maintain accuracy and avoid misinterpretation. If the original sign has grammatical errors, replicate those errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sign saying" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, describing a noun (sign). It introduces the content or message displayed on the sign. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sign saying" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to describe the message displayed on a sign. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is frequently found in diverse contexts, from News & Media to Wiki sources, indicating its broad applicability. Remember to accurately quote the sign's content and punctuate correctly. Using related phrases like "a sign that reads" or "a notice stating" can add nuance to your writing. By avoiding common errors and adhering to best practices, you can effectively use this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sign that reads

Focuses on the content of the sign as directly readable, altering the verb.

a sign indicating

Highlights the sign's function of pointing out or signifying something.

a sign displaying

Emphasizes the visual presentation of the message on the sign.

a notice stating

Uses "notice" to imply a formal announcement, and "stating" for a direct declaration.

a board announcing

Replaces "sign" with "board" and focuses on the act of making something publicly known.

a placard declaring

Substitutes with more formal terms emphasizing an official pronouncement.

a poster proclaiming

Highlights a public and often enthusiastic declaration.

a banner with the message

Specifies the medium as a banner and uses a more descriptive phrase.

a label reading

Suitable for smaller, more specific signs like those on products.

a marker noting

Implies a less formal, often handwritten or temporary sign.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a sign saying" in my writing?

Consider alternatives such as "a sign that reads", "a sign indicating", or "a notice stating" for variety and emphasis. Each "alternative phrase" offers a slightly different nuance.

Is it necessary to include quotation marks after "a sign saying"?

Yes, always include quotation marks to accurately represent the text displayed on the sign. For example: "The window had a sign saying 'Sale!'".

What's the difference between "a sign saying" and "a sign that says"?

"A sign saying" is a more concise and common construction, while "a sign that says" is grammatically correct but slightly more verbose. Both are generally interchangeable but "a sign saying" is preferred in most contexts.

How do I properly punctuate a sentence using "a sign saying"?

The text on the sign should be enclosed in quotation marks. The main sentence can be followed by a comma or a period based on whether you want to add further explanation. E.g., "There was a sign saying 'Keep Out'.", "The store had a sign saying 'Closed', which was disappointing."