a specific sign of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific sign of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a particular indication or symptom of something, often in a context related to analysis or observation. Example: "The sudden drop in temperature is a specific sign of an approaching storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

And while the link between mass shooters and domestic violence is increasingly recognized in the public arena, articles and op-eds, strangulation as a specific sign of lethality in the context of domestic violence remains largely unknown.

The Washington Post

A specific sign of pneumothorax.

Annals of Intensive Care

However, ascites is not a specific sign of PFTC and is frequently present in ovarian cancer.

Insights into Imaging

This finding is suggestive of late subacute haemorrhage and is considered a specific sign of pituitary apoplexy [45, 46, 47].

Insights into Imaging

Any enhancement of the trigeminal nerve posteriorly, within the cisternal segment or root entry zone, is a specific sign of pathological enhancement.

Insights into Imaging

The clinical value of marked hypoechogenicity as a specific sign of thyroid cancer emphasises the importance of being familiar with one's own machine settings.

Insights into Imaging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Though the lacrimal gland uptake of gallium (panda sign) is not a specific sign for sarcoidosis, her simultaneous presence of lambda and panda sign on Ga-67 scans gave some support to sarcoidosis [5].

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

Although the giant rock sphere looming out of the forest dirt and undergrowth appears man-made to the untrained eye, this monolith is likely not any specific sign of a lost civilization.

Forbes

Such performance is a specific sign indicative of crude but fast subcortical processing.

Aggression and Violent Behavior

Jerking of the extremities had been noted as a specific sign in three of those.

European Journal of Pediatrics

Accordingly, a reduced P0.1 is not a very specific sign of impaired drive, but in patients with normal/high P0.1, impaired drive is highly unlikely.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specific sign of", ensure the connection between the sign and what it signifies is clearly established for your audience. Providing context will enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid implying that "a specific sign of" is a guaranteed indicator. It's crucial to acknowledge that other factors might be at play and that the sign might not always be conclusive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific sign of" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a particular indicator or symptom associated with a condition, event, or phenomenon. This aligns with examples provided by Ludwig, where it's used to pinpoint diagnostic markers or indicators.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific sign of" is a commonly used phrase to indicate a particular symptom or indicator, primarily in scientific and analytical contexts. According to Ludwig, it serves to highlight particular pieces of evidence or symptoms that point towards a certain conclusion or diagnosis. When using this phrase, ensure that the relationship between the sign and what it signifies is clearly defined. Alternatives like "a clear indicator of" or "a definite indication of" can be used depending on the context. While grammatically sound, be cautious not to overstate the specificity of the sign. The phrase appears frequently in Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business contexts, and is sourced from reputable publications such as Insights into Imaging and BMC Gastroenterology.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a definite indication of

This alternative uses "indication" instead of "sign", suggesting a more conclusive piece of evidence.

a clear indicator of

Using "indicator" offers a direct synonym for "sign", implying something that points to a particular condition or state.

a telltale symptom of

This phrase replaces "sign" with "symptom", implying a medical or diagnostic context.

a particular symptom of

The alternative uses "symptom", which implies medical, psychological, or diagnostic contexts.

a characteristic marker of

Focuses on using a marker, which might be more directly associated with identification or labeling.

a revealing manifestation of

This alternative uses stronger terms like "revealing" and "manifestation", suggesting a more pronounced or obvious sign.

a hallmark trait of

Using "hallmark trait" specifies a distinguishing characteristic, similar to a signature or identifier.

a distinctive feature of

This phrase focuses on a characteristic or trait that sets something apart, rather than a sign of something else.

a telling demonstration of

This suggests that something is being shown or proven through a particular sign.

a key attribute of

This option uses "attribute" which may refer to an inherent characteristic rather than a sign.

FAQs

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

Use "a specific sign of" to point out particular indicators or symptoms. For example, "Rapid weight loss can be a specific sign of underlying health issues".

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

You can use alternatives like "a definite indication of", "a clear indicator of", or "a telling demonstration of" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a specific sign of"?

It's appropriate when discussing observable indicators or symptoms, especially in analytical or diagnostic contexts, ensuring the context makes the relationship clear.

Is there a difference between "a specific sign of" and "a general sign of"?

"A specific sign of" implies a more precise or unique indicator, while "a general sign of" suggests a less distinctive or common symptom. The former is more informative in analysis or diagnosis.