a strong sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strong sign" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a clear indication or evidence of something, often in contexts related to trends, behaviors, or predictions. Example: "The increase in sales is a strong sign that our marketing strategy is working."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That's a positive and a strong sign.

Independent

"It is also a strong sign of European solidarity.

Independent

You also need a strong sign, a central sign.

The New Yorker

"We need a strong sign that this won't be tolerated," said Mr Kusche.

Independent

"I think it's a strong sign of our inability to correctly diagnose people in the vegetative state".

The New York Times - Health

Combined with the recent successes in Nigeria, today's milestone is a strong sign that Africa may soon be polio-free".

The Guardian

Brazil's industrial production growth rate of 4.34percentt in the quarter was also considered a strong sign of steady expansion.

The New York Times

Yet Colin Powell, for one, thinks their increasing presence both in the ranks and in the officer corps is a strong sign of success.

The Economist

Large numbers of these packages were found in the rubble of the bunker, as seen below, a strong sign that they had been stored nearby.

The New York Times

Further, Mr. Bialecki said, "that everyone has skin in the game from the start is a strong sign it will work".

The New York Times

Though the panel's ruling is not the final word, analysts saw it as a strong sign that the bill would eventually be dropped.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a strong sign", ensure the sign is directly linked to the outcome or trend it indicates to maintain clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a strong sign" automatically proves a cause-and-effect relationship. Always consider other potential factors or explanations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong sign" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies or describes something as a clear indication or evidence, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strong sign" is a versatile and frequently used phrase indicating a clear and convincing piece of evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness across various contexts, including news, science, and business. The phrase effectively conveys certainty and confidence, making it a valuable tool in persuasive writing. While "a strong sign" is generally neutral in register, careful attention should be paid to avoiding the logical fallacy of assuming causation from correlation. Alternatives like "a clear indication" and "a significant signal" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Top authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, attesting to its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear indication

Emphasizes clarity and directness in the indication.

a positive signal

Simple synonym that focuses on the positive meaning.

a significant signal

Highlights the importance and noteworthiness of the sign.

a telling sign

Suggests the sign reveals something important or hidden.

an encouraging indicator

Highlights the supportive and hopeful nature of the sign.

a reliable indicator

Highlights the trustworthiness and dependability of the sign.

a good omen

Implies the sign is a positive indicator of future events.

a promising development

Focuses on the sign as a positive progression or change.

a noteworthy symptom

Emphasizes the sign as a noticeable symptom or characteristic.

an unmistakable clue

Suggests the sign is a clear and easily recognizable piece of evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "a strong sign" in a sentence?

You can use "a strong sign" to indicate a clear indication or evidence of something. For example: "The company's increased profits are "a strong sign" of its success."

What can I say instead of "a strong sign"?

You can use alternatives like "a clear indication", "a significant signal", or "a telling sign" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a strong sign" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding context than the phrase itself.

What's the difference between "a strong sign" and "a weak sign"?

"A strong sign" indicates a clear and convincing indication, while "a weak sign" suggests a less reliable or ambiguous piece of evidence. The strength refers to the reliability and clarity of the indication.