a subtle signal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a subtle signal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a faint or indirect indication of something, often in contexts related to communication, behavior, or emotions. Example: "Her smile was a subtle signal that she was pleased with the outcome of the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

A subtle signal?

The New York Times - Sports

Patent leather corsettry does not send a subtle signal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Pacers missed a subtle signal on Saturday that the Knicks were out of emotional steam.

The New York Times - Sports

Prosecutors contended that the message was a subtle signal to the staff to destroy Enron-related files.

The New York Times

But Mr. Loeb said that she was also hired to send a subtle signal to ABC's audience.

The New York Times - Arts

The inconspicuousness of the restaurant's entrance may be bonkers or in fact brilliant, a subtle signal of Dovetail's confidence in its inner strength.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

On the far right, however, the settlers raged at his "surrender" and urged him "to learn from George Bush how to deal with terrorists".But Mr Sharon's surprise sally this was his first such meeting with Palestinians since he took office exactly a year ago probably sent a subtler signal to the Bush team than either his supporters or his traducers conceive.

The Economist

Finally, while we did not detect an effect of gender dyads greater than the MID for most outcomes we examined, it is possible that a subtler signal might exist but was not detectable given the limited statistical power of our study.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

In Washington, American officials watched the explosions on television with alarm, but a more subtle signal was also distressing: just after dawn on Tuesday, plant workers heard a boom near the suppression chamber of Reactor No. 2 — a giant doughnut-shaped pool that absorbs steam from the fuel core.

The New Yorker

Rice, in naming Bolton herself, sent a not so subtle signal that she expects to remain boss.

The New Yorker

On February 17th, China said that a senior communist party official would be dispatched to Pyongyang to discuss the issue.The authorities in China have already used the state-run media to send a few subtle signals of annoyance.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a subtle signal" when you want to describe an indirect or understated indication of something, without being overly explicit. This works well in contexts where subtlety is valued or necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "a subtle signal" in situations where a direct and obvious message is more appropriate. Overusing this phrase in simple contexts can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a subtle signal" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes an action or event that serves as an understated form of communication or indication. Ludwig AI affirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a subtle signal" is a commonly used phrase that describes an indirect or understated indication. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While it can be useful for tactful communication, overuse in simplistic contexts should be avoided. Related phrases include "a delicate hint" and "an indirect suggestion". When using this phrase, consider the context and audience to ensure the level of subtlety is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight indication

Replaces "signal" with "indication", emphasizing the act of pointing something out indirectly.

a delicate hint

Substitutes "subtle" with "delicate" to highlight the faint and refined nature of the signal.

an indirect suggestion

Emphasizes the non-direct nature of the signal, focusing on its implied meaning.

a faint clue

Replaces "signal" with "clue", implying that the signal is something that needs to be deciphered.

a veiled message

Highlights the hidden or obscured nature of the signal, suggesting it's not immediately obvious.

a low-key cue

Uses more informal language to describe a signal that is understated and not attention-grabbing.

a muted prompt

Focuses on the subdued and quiet nature of the signal, suggesting it is barely perceptible.

a gentle nudge

Implies a soft and encouraging signal, suggesting a gentle push in a certain direction.

an understated implication

Highlights that the signal is something that is implied rather than explicitly stated.

a quiet communication

Shifts focus to the communicative aspect of the signal, emphasizing its discreet nature.

FAQs

What does "a subtle signal" mean?

The phrase "a subtle signal" refers to an indirect, understated, or faint indication or cue. It implies that the message or communication is not explicit or obvious but requires some level of interpretation to understand.

How can I use "a subtle signal" in a sentence?

You can use "a subtle signal" to describe any situation where someone is conveying information indirectly. For example: "Her slight smile was "a slight indication" that she approved of the plan."

What are some alternatives to "a subtle signal"?

Alternatives to "a subtle signal" include "a delicate hint", "an indirect suggestion", or "a faint clue". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "a subtle signal" or a more direct phrase?

The choice between "a subtle signal" and a more direct phrase depends on the context and your audience. Use "a subtle signal" when you want to be tactful or when the situation calls for indirect communication. If clarity is paramount, a direct phrase may be more effective.