clear sign

USAGE SUMMARY

"clear sign" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a visible or obvious indication or evidence of something. Example: "The dark, stormy clouds were a clear sign that a thunderstorm was approaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There wasn't a clear sign of preference.

Harvard Business Review

But they are a clear sign to other plutocrats.

The Economist

When you go, I hope for a clear sign,.

The New Yorker

"This is a very clear sign of massive trade distortions".

The Guardian - Business

That, in my experience, is a clear sign of regression".

The New Yorker

On Wednesday there was no clear sign of an agreement.

The New York Times

They could see no clear sign of foul play.

The Guardian

That's a clear sign that this is a ghost city.

MIT Technology Review

This is a clear sign that this discipline has become mature.

Industrial Agents Emerging Applications of Software Agents in Industry

No clear sign of separation phase dynamic has been observed in our noise measurements.

Progress in Solid State Chemistry

One clear sign is when your interactions stir up strong emotions.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clear sign" when you want to emphasize that something is easily noticeable or provides strong evidence of something else. It's effective in making your writing more direct and convincing.

Common error

Avoid using "clear sign" multiple times in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "evident signal", "obvious indication", or "unmistakable evidence" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear sign" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object, identifying something as an obvious indicator or evidence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clear sign" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote an obvious indicator or piece of evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent occurrence across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. While grammatically straightforward, varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "obvious indication" or "evident signal" can enhance your writing style. When using "clear sign", ensure it effectively highlights the significance of the information you are presenting. Avoiding overuse and maintaining contextual relevance are key to leveraging its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obvious indication

Emphasizes the easiness to notice the indication.

evident signal

Focuses on the signal being readily apparent.

unmistakable evidence

Highlights the certainty of the evidence.

plain indication

Stresses the straightforward nature of the indication.

visible cue

Highlights how the cue can be seen and understood.

apparent symptom

Focuses on the symptom being easily noticed.

telling indicator

Emphasizes how the indicator reveals information.

distinct manifestation

Focuses on a clear instance of something being revealed or shown.

unambiguous indicator

Highlights the lack of uncertainty in the indicator.

noticeable trend

Describes how the trend is easily seen.

FAQs

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

You can use "clear sign" to indicate something obvious or evident, such as: "The sudden drop in temperature was a "clear sign" that winter was approaching".

What are some alternatives to "clear sign"?

Alternatives include "obvious indication", "evident signal", or "unmistakable evidence". Choose the one that best fits the context.

Is it better to say "clear sign" or "clear indication"?

"Clear sign" and "clear indication" are often interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific tone you want to convey. "Sign" might imply a more symbolic representation, while "indication" suggests a more direct pointer.

What does "clear sign" imply in a medical context?

In a medical context, a "clear sign" usually refers to a symptom or finding that strongly suggests a particular condition or disease. For example, a high fever can be a "clear sign" of infection.