an obvious sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an obvious sign" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating something that clearly indicates or suggests a particular situation or condition. Example: "The dark clouds gathering in the sky were an obvious sign that a storm was approaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

The three Internet cafes near my hotel were an obvious sign of modernity.

The New York Times - Travel

"If the turnout is low, it is an obvious sign of frustration".

The New York Times

Trachsel also noticed he was waiting for hitters to get in the box, an obvious sign he was working quicker.

The New York Times - Sports

Clark cites one case in which a passion for butterfly collecting was regarded as an obvious sign of lunacy.

The Guardian - Books

Landscaping Don't let the lawn turn into a jungle, because disrepair is an obvious sign that a house is vacant.

The New York Times

The move is an obvious sign of the ruling Congress Party's "preference to seniority and not to merit," the Hindustan Times wrote.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Clinched fists are an obvious signs of someone being on the offensive or somebody who is being attacked.

WikiHow

A third obvious sign of major discontent was the creation of gangs and the start of the postcode wars.

The Guardian - Opinion

Everyone who ever took your number instead of giving you theirs, which was actually a pretty obvious sign now you think about it.

Vice

Having your breasts develop is a very obvious sign that you're undergoing puberty.

WikiHow

This is a quite obvious sign as genuine bags are usually purchased from high-end departmental stores.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an obvious sign", ensure the context makes it undeniably clear what the sign is indicating. Avoid ambiguity by directly linking the sign to its meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "an obvious sign" when the sign is already inherently clear within the sentence. Redundancy weakens your writing; instead, focus on the implication of the sign.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an obvious sign" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies something that is readily apparent and indicative of a particular condition or situation. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an obvious sign" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to highlight something easily noticeable that indicates a specific situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news, media, and general writing. While it is generally acceptable, avoid redundancy by ensuring the sign is not already inherently clear. Consider using alternative phrases like "a clear indication" or "a blatant signal" to add nuance. Remember to ensure clarity when using this phrase, directly linking the sign to its meaning for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear indication

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

a blatant signal

Substitutes "obvious" with "blatant" and "sign" with "signal", highlighting the overt and unmistakable nature of the indication.

a telling indicator

Emphasizes the revealing nature of the "indicator", implying it tells a story or provides insight.

an unmistakable clue

Uses "clue" to indicate something that helps solve a mystery or problem.

an evident symptom

Uses "symptom" instead of "sign", suggesting the phrase is more applicable when referring to problems or conditions.

a sure giveaway

Suggests the "sign" is something that inadvertently reveals information.

a distinct marker

Highlights the role of the sign as a distinctive element.

a conspicuous mark

Replaces "sign" with "mark", suggesting a visual or noticeable indication.

a manifest token

Replaces with more formal, less common words to give it a more elegant tone.

a palpable demonstration

Conveys the sense that the "sign" is easily perceived or felt.

FAQs

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

Use "an obvious sign" to point out something that clearly indicates a particular condition or situation. For example, "The closed storefront was "an obvious sign" that the business had failed".

What are some alternatives to "an obvious sign"?

Alternatives include "a clear indication", "a blatant signal", or "an evident symptom", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "very obvious sign"?

Yes, using "very obvious sign" can be redundant. The word "obvious" already implies a high degree of clarity. Consider using simply ""an obvious sign"" or choosing a stronger synonym for "sign".

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

"An obvious sign" implies something that is easily noticed and understood, while "an apparent sign" suggests something that seems to be the case but might not be upon closer inspection. "Obvious" conveys more certainty than "apparent".