faintest sign

USAGE SUMMARY

'faintest sign' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something very small or hard to see, like a hint or indication of something. For example, "In the fading light, he saw the faintest sign of movement in the bushes ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Not the faintest sign of a temperamental tantrum!

Stanford University

Inspectors often recommend that a tank showing the faintest sign of leaking be excavated and tested.

The New York Times

Still, it seems that techies will not stop watching every move he makes for the faintest sign of revenue.

The New York Times

And the people who today kissed Thy feet tomorrow at the faintest sign from me will rush to heap up the embers of Thy fire.

The New York Times

Ever since Dr Caligari first appeared in 1920, horror films have tended to exaggerate the faintest sign of being psychologically "different" into something threatening.

The Guardian - Opinion

But by night, this is the observation point from which rangers such as Khululani Sibuyi work from 6pm to 6am, staring intently for the faintest sign of intruders.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In a conference where the absence of opposition is conspicuous, we bring you the faintest signs of dissent from the fringe.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is a sneaking suspicion that the club may be moving away from their original guiding principles and showing the faintest signs of becoming the type of club that they were set up to oppose originally, as Burke explains.

The Guardian - Sport

For the rest of us, it is entirely possible to observe that Lord Carey, for instance, is a pillock, wazzock and berk of the first order without showing the faintest signs of wanting to smash his windows or shepherd his children into a gas chamber.

Independent

Punxsutawney Phil didn't see any signs of spring in his annual prognostication on Monday, but there were the faintest signs of a thaw in U.S. economic indicators.

Forbes

But part of what may have prompted the Kochs' latest moves is that the IRS, at least so far, shows only the faintest signs of willingness to confront other politically sensitive issues that critics consider equally egregious.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the lack of evidence, use it when reporting on situations or occurrences when one is actively looking for indicators, but are hard to come by.

Common error

While "faintest sign" is acceptable in most contexts, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "slightest indication" or "merest hint" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "faintest sign" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It highlights the subtlety and near imperceptibility of an indication or clue. The Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "faintest sign" is a noun phrase used to emphasize a subtle or barely perceptible indication. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. Common in contexts like news reporting and academic writing, it conveys a sense of uncertainty or difficulty in perceiving something. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's wise to vary your language to avoid repetition. Consider using synonyms like "slightest indication" or "merest hint" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightest indication

Replaces "sign" with "indication" and "faintest" with "slightest", maintaining the core meaning.

merest hint

Substitutes "faintest sign" with "merest hint", implying an even more subtle clue.

slightest trace

Uses "trace" instead of "sign", emphasizing a minimal amount or residue.

hint of a sign

Reorders the phrase to emphasize the subtle nature of the sign.

minimal indication

Emphasizes the small degree of indication.

subtle clue

Replaces "sign" with "clue", implying a more discreet or indirect indicator.

smallest suggestion

Indicates that the phrase refers to the most diminutive idea or thought.

barely perceptible indication

Highlights that the indication is barely noticeable.

remote possibility

Shifts the focus to the potential outcome rather than a direct signal.

shadow of evidence

Uses a more figurative expression to suggest a weak or insubstantial proof.

FAQs

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

You can use "faintest sign" to indicate a subtle or barely perceptible indication of something. For example, "The detective looked for the "faintest sign" of forced entry".

What can I say instead of "faintest sign"?

You can use alternatives like "slightest indication", "merest hint", or "slightest trace" depending on the context.

Is "faintest sign" formal or informal?

"Faintest sign" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal or scientific writing, consider using more precise language depending on the topic, to make your reporting on par with what has been proven.

What does "faintest sign" imply?

"Faintest sign" implies that the indication is very subtle and might be easily missed or overlooked. This highlights the difficulty in detecting the sign.