an encouraging sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an encouraging sign" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that suggests positive progress or outcomes. Example: "The increase in community engagement is an encouraging sign that our efforts are making a difference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

That is not an encouraging sign.

Independent

His Nobel win is an encouraging sign.

The New Yorker

But this performance was an encouraging sign.

The New York Times - Arts

That was an encouraging sign.

The New York Times

It's not an encouraging sign.

The New York Times

Maybe not, but an encouraging sign nevertheless.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Wullschleger did see an encouraging sign.

The New York Times

This is not an encouraging sign.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was really an encouraging sign".

The New York Times

It is an encouraging sign for the Mets.

The New York Times - Sports

Nor is it an encouraging sign for Thailand itself.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "an encouraging sign" with quantifiable data or observable evidence to strengthen its impact. Avoid relying solely on subjective interpretations.

Common error

Avoid treating "an encouraging sign" as a guarantee of future success. It's crucial to acknowledge potential setbacks and challenges that may still lie ahead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an encouraging sign" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or an appositive to describe something positive. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its role in indicating positive progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

18%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an encouraging sign" is a common and grammatically correct way to express optimism about a situation. Ludwig AI analysis, based on numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, shows it's widely used in news and business contexts to highlight positive developments. While the phrase is effective, avoid overstating its significance, recognizing it as an indicator rather than a guarantee of success. Alternatives like "a promising indication" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a promising indication

Focuses on the aspect of a sign that suggests future success.

a hopeful sign

Emphasizes the element of hope associated with the observation.

a positive development

Highlights the progress or advancement that the sign represents.

a favorable omen

Implies that the sign is a prediction of good things to come.

a reason for optimism

Shifts the focus to the feeling of optimism generated by the sign.

a harbinger of hope

Suggests the sign is a precursor or herald of a positive future.

a good omen

Implies that the sign is a prediction of good things to come.

a source of encouragement

Highlights the emotional boost that the sign provides.

an auspicious indication

Replaces "encouraging" with a more formal synonym, 'auspicious'.

a positive augury

Uses a more antiquated and formal term for 'sign', augury, for an elevated style.

FAQs

How can I use "an encouraging sign" in a sentence?

You can use "an encouraging sign" to describe something that suggests a positive outcome or progress. For example: "The recent increase in sales is "an encouraging sign" for the company's future."

What are some alternatives to saying "an encouraging sign"?

Some alternatives include "a promising indication", "a hopeful sign", or "a positive development", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "an encouraging sign" in formal writing?

Yes, "an encouraging sign" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to indicate a positive trend or development. The phrase is widely used in formal contexts such as business and news reporting.

What's the difference between "an encouraging sign" and "a promising development"?

"An encouraging sign" often refers to a specific indicator or event, while "a promising development" usually describes a broader positive trend or situation. Both suggest a positive outlook, but they differ in scope.