a vast sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast sign" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sign that is large in size or significant in meaning or impact. Example: "The travelers were greeted by a vast sign that welcomed them to the national park, its size reflecting the beauty of the landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A vast sign above the tent's entrance spoke volumes about the barrel-chested confidence that underpinned the whole event: "Creation Records," it read.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

– a bookable, sit-down restaurant, its quirky 50s furnishing given a Lynchian air by the light from a vast neon sign reading Dream Baby Dream.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ahead lay the blazing lights of Times Square, first among them a vast white sign advertising, of all things, a Department of Homeland Security Web site — www.ready.gov — with the slogan "The Fight Against Terrorism Begins at Home".

The New Yorker

Together they become one vast sign system whose significance is to make the critic into a lovable saint who had his finger on the pulse of virtually everything that was culturally significant.

The Guardian - Arts

OUTSIDE Facebook's vast new headquarters in Silicon Valley is a huge sign with an image of a hand on it giving a thumbs-up sign.

The Economist

At a hastily-arranged press conference inside the UBS building, about a dozen activists answered questions while sitting on a stained blue office carpet in front of a vast Occupy London sign.

The Guardian

Visitors in stilettos can sip cocktails beneath the stars and the crimson glow of a vast neon Hotel Empire sign, or linger in the lobby bar, where plush couches provide a cozier perch for people-watching.

The New York Times

The surprising momentum Mr. Sanders is gaining in his run for the presidency is yet another sign that a vast number of people desire a real revolution--a true transformation.

Huffington Post

From 1934 to 1946, he was an editorial writer for The New York Times, writing a vast number of editorials and signed articles, mainly on economic issues.

The New York Times

As they search our emails for signs of a vast conspiracy, they will be disappointed".

Huffington Post

NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar — The bamboo forests and sugar cane fields that once covered the gently sloping hills here have been replaced by hulking government buildings, roads so long and straight they resemble runways and a vast construction site marked by a sign: "Parliament zone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vast sign" to describe a sign that is not only large in physical dimensions but also significant in its message or presence. It suggests importance beyond mere size.

Common error

Avoid using "a vast sign" when a simpler adjective like 'large' or 'big' would suffice. Reserve 'vast' for when you want to emphasize the sign's imposing nature or symbolic weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast sign" functions as a noun phrase, where 'vast' is an adjective modifying the noun 'sign'. It describes a sign that is large in size and, often, of considerable significance. Ludwig confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a vast sign" is a grammatically sound way to describe a large and significant sign. While Ludwig confirms it's a usable phrase, its occurrence is relatively rare. The word 'vast' elevates the description, suggesting importance beyond mere size. This phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When aiming for directness or informality, alternatives like "a large sign" or "a huge sign" might be more appropriate. Using 'vast' appropriately ensures your writing is both descriptive and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a huge sign

Replaces 'vast' with 'huge', a synonym emphasizing size but with a slightly less formal tone.

an enormous sign

Emphasizes the size of the sign using 'enormous', implying a significantly larger size than 'vast'.

a large sign

Uses a more general term, 'large', to describe the sign's size, suitable for less emphatic contexts.

a gigantic sign

Indicates the sign is extremely large, possibly larger than 'vast' implies.

a monumental sign

Suggests the sign is not only large but also historically or culturally significant.

an expansive sign

Describes the sign as covering a large area, highlighting its physical spread.

a substantial sign

Highlights the sign's size and importance, implying a significant impact or presence.

a prominent sign

Focuses on the sign's visibility and how easily it captures attention, rather than its size.

a commanding sign

Implies the sign dominates its surroundings, asserting its presence powerfully.

an imposing sign

Suggests the sign is large and impressive, potentially causing a feeling of awe or respect.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vast sign" to describe a large and imposing sign, such as "The entrance to the city was marked by "a vast sign" welcoming visitors".

What's a good alternative to "a vast sign"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "a huge sign", "an enormous sign", or "a large sign".

When is it appropriate to use "a vast sign" instead of "a big sign"?

"A vast sign" implies more than just physical size; it suggests importance or dominance. Use it when the sign's impact or message is significant, unlike "a big sign" which simply refers to dimensions.

Is "a vast sign" more formal than "a big sign"?

Yes, "a vast sign" is generally more formal and suggests a sense of scale and importance, whereas "a big sign" is more casual and focuses simply on size.