communicative signal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "communicative signal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to communication theory, linguistics, or any discussion about how messages are conveyed between individuals or groups. Example: "In nonverbal communication, body language often serves as a communicative signal that can convey emotions and intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Since the rooks responded correctly in a particular setup only, they most likely did not perceive the gaze cues as a communicative signal (i.e., that the experimenter intended to communicate the location of the food), but rather learned a specific discriminatory rule.

Behavioural Processes

Perhaps the most basic requirement for a communicative signal to be intentional is for it to be under the signaler's voluntary control.

SEP

Whether similar lateralization of function for communicative signal production is present in other primates remains a topic of considerable debate.

Plosone

At the end of the two minute block, the experimenter would respond to the subject's next communicative signal by offering a small frozen drink cube to the subject.

Plosone

Second, the still face is a communicative signal.

Brain and Language

As a result, that early step alone is reinforced and becomes 'ritualized' into a communicative signal.

Animal Cognition

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"They understand that people are trying to communicate information and use such communicative signals way better than primates do".

BBC

We focus on two distinguishing features of human communication, namely the ability to select communicative signals that disambiguate the many-to-many mappings that exist between a signal's form and meaning, and adjustments of those signals to the presumed cognitive characteristics of the addressee ("audience design").

Psychoneuroendocrinology

Because of the variety of situations in which mimicry occurs, a formal definition must rest upon the effect of certain key communicative signals upon the appropriate receiver and the resultant evolutionary effect upon the emitters of the signals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The design of effective hormonal and communicative signaling faces similar challenges.

Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior

Dogs' abilities to comprehend human communicative signals make them one of the only animals to understand what people mean when they point at something.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing animal behavior or human interaction, use "communicative signal" to precisely refer to a specific action or cue that conveys information between individuals.

Common error

While technically correct, using "communicative signal" in everyday conversation might sound overly formal. Consider using simpler terms like "cue", "sign", or "message" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "communicative signal" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, referring to a specific action or cue that transmits information. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "communicative signal" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that refers to an action or cue that conveys information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not overly common, it's predominantly found in scientific and formal contexts. When simpler words might suffice in everyday conversation, this phrase is most appropriate when describing animal behavior or human interaction in settings that need precise and clear language. Consider using "communication cue" as a close alternative when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

signal of communication

Reorders the words while maintaining the core concept of a signal used for communication.

message cue

Replaces "signal" with "cue", suggesting a subtle hint or indication within a message.

informative sign

Uses "sign" instead of "signal", emphasizing the aspect of conveying information.

communication cue

Swaps "signal" with "cue", implying a prompt or guide in the communication process.

expressive gesture

Focuses on non-verbal communication, where a gesture serves as a signal.

transmission of meaning

Shifts the focus from the signal itself to the act of conveying meaning.

indicative communication

Emphasizes the role of communication in indicating or pointing something out.

communicative indication

Alters the structure, prioritizing the communicative aspect followed by the indication of information.

signaling message

Inverts the structure to emphasize the action of signaling a message.

conveyed information

Highlights information being conveyed, with an implicit signal.

FAQs

What does "communicative signal" mean?

A "communicative signal" is an action, gesture, or sound that conveys information between individuals, whether consciously or unconsciously.

How is a "communicative signal" different from a regular signal?

A "communicative signal" specifically implies an intent to convey meaning or influence behavior, whereas a regular signal might simply be a physical phenomenon without communicative purpose.

What are some examples of "communicative signals"?

Examples include facial expressions, body language, vocalizations, and even certain types of markings or displays used by animals. You can use alternatives like "communication cue" or "message cue" depending on the context.

Is "communicative signal" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "communicative signal" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific or academic contexts where precise language is important.