encouraging sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encouraging sign" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a positive indication or signal about a situation or outcome. Example: "The increase in community engagement is an encouraging sign that our efforts are making a difference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

(Encouraging) Sign Of The Times.

Forbes

It's a very encouraging sign".

The New York Times - Sports

That was an encouraging sign.

The New York Times

It's not an encouraging sign.

The New York Times

That is not an encouraging sign.

Independent

His Nobel win is an encouraging sign.

The New Yorker

But this performance was an encouraging sign.

The New York Times - Arts

Maybe not, but an encouraging sign nevertheless.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Wullschleger did see an encouraging sign.

The New York Times

This is not an encouraging sign.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was really an encouraging sign".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "encouraging sign", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being encouraged. Be specific about the potential positive outcome.

Common error

Avoid treating an "encouraging sign" as a guaranteed outcome. It's an indicator, not a certainty, and further developments should be monitored.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encouraging sign" functions primarily as a noun phrase with an adjectival modifier. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe something that indicates a positive trend, possibility, or outcome. This aligns with its use across various examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "encouraging sign" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that conveys optimism. Ludwig AI validates this, showing that it is employed across various contexts, primarily in news and media. It functions as a noun phrase with an adjectival modifier, indicating a positive trend or possibility. While using this expression, it's important to be specific about what is being encouraged and to avoid overstating its significance, as it is an indicator rather than a guarantee. Alternatives include "promising indication", "hopeful signal", and "positive development".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

promising indication

Replaces 'sign' with 'indication' while keeping the positive connotation.

hopeful signal

Substitutes 'encouraging' and 'sign' with synonyms that convey optimism.

positive development

Focuses on the improvement aspect implied by an encouraging sign.

auspicious omen

Uses a more formal and somewhat archaic term for a sign of good fortune.

favorable trend

Highlights the direction implied by an encouraging sign.

welcome harbinger

Emphasizes the arrival of something positive suggested by the sign.

good indicator

Uses a more neutral term for 'encouraging' while keeping 'sign' synonymous.

reassuring development

Highlights the comforting aspect of the sign.

bright spot

A more metaphorical expression for a positive indication.

uplifting signal

Conveys the positive emotional effect of the sign.

FAQs

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

You can use "encouraging sign" to describe a positive indicator. For example, "The company's increased revenue is an "encouraging sign" of its growing market share".

What's a good alternative to "encouraging sign"?

Alternatives include "promising indication", "hopeful signal", or "positive development", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'an encouraging sign' or 'a encouraging sign'?

It is correct to say "an encouraging sign" because "encouraging" starts with a vowel sound. The article "an" is used before vowel sounds, while "a" is used before consonant sounds.

What does it mean when something is described as an "encouraging sign"?

It means there is a positive indication or signal that suggests a favorable outcome or development is likely. It implies optimism but not a guarantee.