Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
communicative signals
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "communicative signals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing nonverbal communication, language, or any form of signaling that conveys information or messages. Example: "In animal behavior studies, researchers often analyze communicative signals to understand how different species interact with one another."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
35 human-written examples
"They understand that people are trying to communicate information and use such communicative signals way better than primates do".
News & Media
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").
Science
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.
Encyclopedias
Dogs' abilities to comprehend human communicative signals make them one of the only animals to understand what people mean when they point at something.
News & Media
These communicative signals can be recognized by human beings through body language such as gestures and postures, body movements, facial expression and eye contact, etc.
The participants produced novel non-verbal communicative signals towards two different addressees, an adult or a child, in an experimentally-controlled live interactive setting.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
25 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.
Science
Perhaps the most basic requirement for a communicative signal to be intentional is for it to be under the signaler's voluntary control.
Science
The design of effective hormonal and communicative signaling faces similar challenges.
Whether similar lateralization of function for communicative signal production is present in other primates remains a topic of considerable debate.
Science
The data presented in this report suggest that the left IFG was involved in multimodal communicative signaling prior to the split between humans and chimpanzees some 5 million years ago.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When discussing animal behavior, use "communicative signals" to refer to actions that intentionally convey information.
Common error
While technically correct, "communicative signals" might sound overly formal or technical in everyday conversation; consider simpler alternatives like "communication cues" or "signals" for general use.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "communicative signals" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the specific means by which information or intent is conveyed between individuals or entities. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
20%
Encyclopedias
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "communicative signals" is a grammatically sound and usable term referring to the methods of transmitting information. According to Ludwig AI, it is best suited for formal and scientific contexts, as indicated by its prevalence in scientific journals, news articles, and encyclopedias. While versatile, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for casual conversation. It commonly describes methods of communication between humans and animals alike. While technically correct and helpful in the right environment, it is important to consider your audience.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
communication cues
Focuses on the suggestive nature of the signals rather than the act of communicating.
informative signals
Emphasizes the provision of information through the signals.
information transmission
Highlights the transfer of data, suitable for technical contexts.
conveyance of information
Highlights the action of conveying a message.
signaling methods
Emphasizes the system or process used to convey information.
message delivery systems
Implies a structured approach to delivering messages.
modes of communication
Broadens the scope to include different channels and forms of conveying messages.
expressive gestures
Specifies non-verbal signals used to communicate emotions and intentions.
verbal cues
Specifies the signal is based on words.
nonverbal cues
Focuses on signals not involving speech.
FAQs
How can I use "communicative signals" in a sentence?
You can use "communicative signals" to describe how information is conveyed, for example: "Animals use a variety of "communicative signals" to attract mates and defend territory".
What are some alternatives to "communicative signals"?
Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "communication cues", "informative signals", or "nonverbal cues".
In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "communicative signals"?
"Communicative signals" is suitable for academic, scientific, or technical contexts where precise language is important. It's often used in discussions of animal behavior, linguistics, and human communication.
What's the difference between "communicative signals" and "communication signals"?
Both phrases are very similar; however, "communicative signals" emphasizes the intentionality or function of the signals in conveying a message, while "communication signals" is a more general term that can refer to any signal used in communication.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested