good sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good sign" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a positive indication or omen. Example: "The company's increasing profits are a good sign for their future success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That's a good sign.

The New York Times

That's one good sign.

The New Yorker

Not a good sign.

The New York Times

A good sign?

The Guardian - Business

That's not a good sign.

The New York Times

It was a good sign.

The New York Times - Sports

That's always a good sign.

Independent

But that's a good sign".

The New York Times - Sports

And that's a good sign".

The New Yorker

That's never a good sign.

The New York Times - Sports

That's a very good sign".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "good sign", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being evaluated and why it is considered positive. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "good sign" without providing context. State specifically what aspect is a positive indicator to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good sign" functions as a subject complement or adjective phrase that describes a noun. According to Ludwig, it indicates a positive omen or indication. It expresses a judgment about something being favorable or promising.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "good sign" is a commonly used expression to denote a positive indicator or omen. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and sports. While versatile, it's best used with clear context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "positive indication" or "promising development" can add nuance depending on the situation. When writing, be specific about what makes something a "good sign" to ensure your message is clear and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

positive indication

Emphasizes the indicative nature of the sign being discussed.

promising development

Highlights the forward-looking and hopeful aspect of the situation.

encouraging signal

Focuses on the motivational aspect of the sign.

favorable omen

Suggests a more traditional or superstitious interpretation of the sign.

auspicious start

Highlights the positive beginning or initiation of something.

welcome development

Emphasizes that the sign is something that is happily received.

reason for optimism

Presents the sign as a basis for a positive outlook.

cause for hope

Highlights the aspect of renewed or sustained hope.

grounds for encouragement

Highlights reasons to be encouraged.

things are looking up

An idiom that means the situation is improving.

FAQs

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

You can use "good sign" to indicate a positive development or omen. For example, "The early bloom of the flowers is a "good sign" for a fruitful harvest".

What are some alternatives to "good sign"?

Alternatives include "positive indication", "promising development", or "encouraging signal", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "good sign" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that a specific event or observation suggests a positive outcome or future. It is suitable for both formal and informal writing.

Is "good sign" formal or informal?

"Good sign" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.