definite sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definite sign" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a clear or unmistakable indication of something. Example: "The sudden drop in temperature was a definite sign that winter was approaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

MIKE HALE: A definite sign of the "ModFam" strength.

The New York Times

The energy error is found and partitioned into two terms, one of which is of definite sign (and dissipative).

Journal of Computational Physics

Its principal effect was political: a definite sign of America's commitment to the defense of Western Europe, and to maintaining an American presence there.

The Washington Post

"I take solace in my tubs of geraniums which flourish on total neglect – a definite sign of the spirit at work".

The Guardian - Money

Cone wound up facing 20 batters and he went to a 2-0 cornt or a 3-1 connt on eight of them, a definite sign of a pitcher creating his own trouble.

The New York Times - Sports

Indeed, déjà vu is accepted as a definite sign of epileptic activity originating in the temporal lobe of the brain and may occur as part of the seizure activity or frequently between convulsions.

Britannica

And in a definite sign that normalcy is struggling to break out, United Airlines customers have been growing increasingly worried about the possibility of disruptions from a threatened strike by the airline's mechanics.

The New York Times

It is also a pity that after a week the oppressed Shia people of Basra had given hints but no definite sign of wanting to rise up again against the regime, as they did in 1991.

The Economist

So far, there is no definite sign of the original signal being confirmed, but the good news is both of these experiments are basically working as advertised, as planned, and so hopefully within a year or so, we should get at least some hint of a result.

Nature

To me, as a single woman, it felt like a definite sign of progress: since the elemental representation of single life at the time was the comic strip "Cathy" (ack! chocolate!), better that one's life should be viewed as glamorously threatening than as sad and lonely.

The New Yorker

end{aligned} The Green's function G is of definite sign if (ain Lambda^cupLambda^).

Advances in Difference Equations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definite sign" to emphasize a clear and unambiguous indication of something. For nuanced writing, consider context-specific synonyms like "clear indication" or "unmistakable signal".

Common error

While "definite sign" is widely acceptable, overuse in formal or scientific writing can make your text sound less professional. In such cases, prefer more formal alternatives like "conclusive evidence" or "distinct indication."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definite sign" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify something as a clear and unmistakable indicator. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples include "a definite sign of progress" and "a definite sign of interest."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "definite sign" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase used to indicate a clear and unmistakable signal or indication. As supported by Ludwig AI, it's used across a variety of contexts, but is most frequently found in News & Media and Science sources. While versatile, consider more formal alternatives like "conclusive evidence" in academic or professional writing. When using "definite sign", ensure it accurately reflects a clear and unambiguous indication to maintain clarity and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear indication

Emphasizes the clarity of the indication, making it easily understandable.

unmistakable signal

Highlights the absence of ambiguity in the signal, suggesting a clear and direct message.

obvious indication

Focuses on how easily the indication can be perceived or noticed.

certain signal

Implies a high level of confidence in the signal's reliability and accuracy.

telling sign

Suggests the sign reveals important information about a situation.

sure indication

Expresses confidence in the validity and accuracy of the indication.

solid evidence

Focuses on the strength and reliability of the evidence presented.

distinct indication

Emphasizes the uniqueness and recognizability of the indication.

positive indication

Signifies an affirmative or favorable indication.

conclusive evidence

Suggests that the evidence is strong enough to resolve a matter definitively.

FAQs

What does "definite sign" mean?

A "definite sign" indicates a clear and unmistakable indication or signal of something. It implies that the evidence is strong enough to draw a firm conclusion.

What are some alternatives to "definite sign"?

You can use alternatives like "clear indication", "unmistakable signal", or "obvious indication" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "definite sign" in academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "definite sign" may be considered too informal for certain academic contexts. Consider stronger, more formal alternatives such as "conclusive evidence" or "significant indicator".

How to use "definite sign" in a sentence?

Example: "The increase in sales is a "definite sign" that our marketing campaign is working effectively."