firm sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "firm sign" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a strong or clear indication of something, often in contexts related to evidence or proof. Example: "The sudden increase in sales is a firm sign that our marketing strategy is working."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But it has given no firm sign that it is ready to close Fessenheim, an ageing plant which Mr Hollande had promised on the campaign trail to shut by 2017.

The Economist

The Mets demoted the struggling outfielder Lucas Duda to Class AAA Buffalo before their game Tuesday, a firm sign that the team's patience in the midst of a long losing streak was wearing thin.

The New York Times

The agreement was the first firm sign that at least one of two serious standoffs with anti-American insurgents -- in Falluja, west of the capital, and in the Shiite holy city of Najaf, to the south -- might be resolved peacefully.

The New York Times

Sophie Turton is assistant editor at Crunch, an online accountancy firm Sign up to become a member of the Guardian Small Business Network here for more advice, insight and best practice direct to your inbox.

The Guardian

With no firm sign of progress offered to the public and with the depressing disclosure that someone misled the police with false clues, the edginess of the Washington metropolitan region grew.

The New York Times

Mr. Silver's plan, presented at a conference of Assembly Democrats, provided the first firm sign of how the State Legislature might reshape the landmark 2002 law that gave New York City's mayor power over the city's chronically underperforming school system, which serves 1.1 million children.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The firm signs a conventional promissory note.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now, the firm signs, and investors have no way of knowing who was responsible.

The New York Times

In January E.ON, a German energy firm, signed a joint venture with MPX.

The Economist

Count me in when the firm signs up for any corporate sponsorships.

The New York Times

But it will be interesting to see which firm signs on as Herbalife's auditor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "firm sign", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the sign is indicating and why it is considered firm or reliable. For example, "The company's consistent profits are a "firm sign" of its financial stability".

Common error

Avoid using "firm sign" when the indication is still uncertain or based on limited data. Using it prematurely can mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "firm sign" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or an appositive. It describes something that serves as a strong indicator or a piece of reliable evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "firm sign" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, indicating a strong or reliable indicator of something. As verified by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys a sense of assurance in various contexts, most commonly in news and media. While alternatives such as ""clear indication"" or ""strong evidence"" exist, "firm sign" is preferred when emphasizing reliability. When using "firm sign", ensure the context supports the strength of the indication to avoid misleading interpretations. This analysis offers guidance for accurate and impactful usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear indication

Replaces "sign" with a more direct synonym, "indication", emphasizing clarity.

strong evidence

Substitutes "sign" with "evidence", focusing on the provable aspect of the indication.

definite signal

Uses "signal" instead of "sign", highlighting the communicative aspect, and "definite" instead of "firm" which suggest certainty.

unmistakable clue

Emphasizes the obvious nature of the sign, suggesting it's hard to misinterpret.

reliable indicator

Focuses on the dependability of the sign as a predictor.

solid proof

Replaces "sign" with "proof", indicating a higher level of certainty and verification.

convincing demonstration

Highlights the persuasive nature of the sign, showing it effectively proves a point.

palpable indication

Uses "palpable" to suggest the indication is easily perceived or felt.

concrete evidence

Stresses the tangible and factual nature of the evidence.

positive affirmation

Indicates a confirmation or validation of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "firm sign" to indicate a strong indication or evidence of something. For example: "The decrease in unemployment rate is a "firm sign" of economic recovery."

What is a good alternative to "firm sign"?

Alternatives to "firm sign" include "clear indication", "strong evidence", or "definite signal" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "firm sign" or "strong sign"?

"Firm sign" and "strong sign" are both acceptable, but "firm sign" often implies a higher degree of reliability and certainty. Consider the context to determine which is more suitable.

How does "firm sign" differ from "promising sign"?

"Firm sign" suggests an existing, reliable indicator, while "promising sign" indicates potential future outcomes. A promising sign might not be as reliable as a "firm sign".