a sign that read

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sign that read" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a physical sign that contains written information, such as a street sign or a sign in a store. For example: "I saw a sign that read 'Exit' in bold typeface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Ms. McIntosh raised a sign that read "Nobel Peace Prize.

The New York Times

Presently, it got a sign that read "paralia", painted on plywood, pointed vaguely downhill: "beach".

Independent

In the stands, a fan waved a sign that read "100 percent Cotton".

The New York Times - Sports

A group came by carrying a sign that read "Más Cultura, Menos Dictadura".

The New Yorker

On the door was a sign that read "Under 30, Over 12".

The New Yorker

I vividly remember watching one protester with a sign that read "Google = Jewish Billionaires".

The New York Times

Clinton held a sign that read "101 years young and voting for Hillary".

The Guardian

Which president had a sign that read "The Buck Stops Here"?

The New York Times

In the crowd, someone held up a sign that read "Girl Power".

The Guardian

(One alliance member held a sign that read "YELLOW PERIL SUPPORTS BLACK POWER").

The New Yorker

Shawna Enton, of Baltimore County, carried a sign that read "Go Home! Stop Police USA".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing signs in your writing, consider the context and choose specific vocabulary to enhance the imagery. For example, instead of just saying "a sign that read", specify the type of sign (e.g., 'a neon sign', 'a hand-painted sign') and use stronger verbs like 'declared', 'proclaimed', or 'warned' to add impact.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the phrase "a sign that read" without providing additional descriptive details. This can make your writing bland and less engaging. Instead, focus on what makes the sign unique, such as its color, material, or the style of lettering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sign that read" functions as a descriptive element, typically introducing the specific text displayed on a sign. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, showcasing numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sign that read" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, predominantly found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous examples demonstrating its usage. To enhance your writing, consider using specific vocabulary to describe the sign and message, avoiding overuse of this generic phrase. Alternatives such as "a placard that stated" or "a banner proclaiming" can add variety and specificity to your descriptions. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and engagingly describe signs in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a placard that stated

Replaces 'sign' with 'placard' and uses 'stated' instead of 'read', implying a more formal or official message.

a notice that indicated

Substitutes 'sign' with 'notice' and 'read' with 'indicated', suggesting a more informative or directional purpose.

a banner proclaiming

Uses 'banner' instead of 'sign' and 'proclaiming' to indicate a more celebratory or declarative message.

a board displaying the message

Replaces 'sign' with 'board' and rephrases 'that read' to 'displaying the message', offering a more descriptive alternative.

the inscription declared

Employs 'inscription' to denote a more permanent form of writing and uses 'declared' to convey a sense of authority.

the label conveyed

Uses 'label' in place of 'sign' and 'conveyed' instead of 'read', suggesting a more informative or instructional purpose.

a poster announcing

Substitutes 'sign' with 'poster' and 'read' with 'announcing', indicating a promotional or informative message.

a marker stating

Replaces 'sign' with 'marker' and uses 'stating' instead of 'read', implying a more direct and factual message.

the display communicated

Employs 'display' in place of 'sign' and 'communicated' to suggest a broader form of conveying information.

a screen showing the text

Uses 'screen' instead of 'sign' and rephrases 'that read' to 'showing the text', indicating a digital or electronic display.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a sign that read"?

You can use alternatives like "a poster that read", "a notice that indicated", or "a banner proclaiming" depending on the context.

How to use "a sign that read" in a sentence?

Use "a sign that read" to describe the content of a physical sign. For example: "I noticed a sign that read 'No Trespassing'."

Which is correct, "a sign that read" or "a sign that says"?

Both "a sign that read" and "a sign that says" are correct and commonly used. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations. However, "a sign that read" is slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "a sign that read" and "a headline that read"?

"A sign that read" refers to a physical sign displaying information, while "a headline that read" refers to the title of an article or news piece. They are used in different contexts.