a subtle sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a subtle sign" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hint or indication that is not immediately obvious or is delicately expressed. Example: "The way she hesitated before answering was a subtle sign that she was unsure of her response."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Ball took it as a subtle sign.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a subtle sign, but we recognize it immediately.

The New York Times

The speed with which Murray held serve was a subtle sign that his energy had risen.

The New York Times

It was a subtle sign that the country is still hoping that leisure and excitement will replace austerity and exertion.

The Guardian - Opinion

IOC members wear a tiny lapel badge of the five gold rings – a subtle sign of their elevated position in the ultimate private members club.

The Guardian - Sport

Food businesses, both restaurants and takeout shops, are everywhere -- a subtle sign that the reign of the single-commuter household is over.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Though a patient may not be hypotensive by mean arterial pressure or by systolic blood pressure in the ED, a low diastolic blood pressure upon triage may be an early, subtle sign that a septic patient may go on to have disease progression.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

It was a brief, subtle sign that "Play/Pause" would be a transparent dance, with no pretense that it existed in a world other than ours.

The New Yorker

A more subtle sign of Billups's value came late in the game, during a stoppage of play.

The New York Times - Sports

If anyone was in any doubt that Britart was over, they couldn't have had a less subtle sign from God.

The Guardian - Arts

Across the street from that garden is a small and subtle sign, intended more to confirm a location to those searching for it than to advertise its presence to those who are not.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a subtle sign" when you want to indicate something that is not immediately obvious but can be noticed with careful observation.

Common error

Avoid using "a subtle sign" repeatedly in a short span of text. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a gentle indication" or "a veiled implication" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a subtle sign" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or an object, describing something that provides an indirect or understated indication. Ludwig provides examples where the phrase is used to point to things that are not obvious.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a subtle sign" is a noun phrase used to describe an indirect or understated indication. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media, and Science. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context warrants an understated clue rather than an explicit one. As an alternative to "a subtle sign", consider phrases like "a gentle indication" or "a slight hint" for variety and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gentle indication

Emphasizes the mild and delicate nature of the sign.

a slight hint

Highlights the minimal and indirect nature of the clue.

an indirect suggestion

Focuses on the roundabout way the sign is communicated.

a delicate clue

Emphasizes the fragility and subtlety of the hint.

an understated signal

Highlights the lack of emphasis or overtness.

a veiled implication

Focuses on the hidden or obscured nature of the sign.

a low-key indication

Emphasizes the casual and subdued manner of the sign.

a soft suggestion

Highlights the gentle and non-forceful nature of the hint.

a muted signal

Emphasizes the quiet and restrained quality of the sign.

a faint trace

Highlights the minimal and barely perceptible nature of the sign.

FAQs

How to use "a subtle sign" in a sentence?

You can use "a subtle sign" to describe an indication that is not immediately obvious. For example, "Her hesitation was "a subtle sign" of her reluctance".

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

You can use alternatives like "gentle indication", "slight hint", or "veiled implication" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a subtle sign" or "subtle signs"?

Both are correct, but they have different meanings. "A subtle sign" refers to a single, understated indication, while "subtle signs" refers to multiple understated indications. Consider the context to choose the appropriate form.

What's the difference between "a subtle sign" and "an obvious sign"?

"A subtle sign" implies that the indication is not immediately noticeable and requires careful observation, while "an obvious sign" means the indication is easily noticeable and apparent.