great signpost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great signpost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a clear indicator or guide that helps direct someone towards understanding or making decisions. Example: "The research findings serve as a great signpost for future studies in this field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It matters because it is a honking great signpost confirming that while women are under-represented in parliament, mothers are considerably more under-represented.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only wizened old cynics ponder here on the folly of youth, and curl the lip at the wisdom of making Tony Benn a hero (great signpost, as Black said, but remind me which destination he ever helped anyone reach?).

The Guardian - Opinion

Motorola's the most prominent company looking to push the battery boundary, but if Google is going to use the Nexus line as a sort of ideal for what Android devices can be, pumping up longevity could be a great signpost for the rest of the industry.

TechCrunch

Jealousy feels rotten, but is often a great signpost for what we want.

Huffington Post

"What happened to the Facebook IPO? Human nature happened, crowd behavior can be ugly and dangerous...I would like to suggest that Facebook may be a great signpost, but not a great stock to own".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

There are no great conceptual signposts in this production.

The Economist

When I consider the various blogs I read in relation to entrepreneurship, technology and raising finance (such as Mike Arrington of TechCrunch, and Jason Calacanis (This Week in Venture Capital), they are overwhelmingly American and all do a great job at signposting emergent companies worthy of further consideration and trial.

TechCrunch

There are routes for all abilities and bikes, all signposted with great clarity, amid sun-kissed rolling hills and vineyards – though go prepared for frequent showers.

The Guardian - Travel

Whatever measure is adopted, having a range of health and social care products, clearly marked, and extending over the care pathway for CAMHS, would give GPs much greater clarity and signposting than what is currently available.

BMJ Open

As recommended by Handy et al. (2003), it is currently inappropriate to use biomarker data alone to curtail discharges routinely ("a red traffic light" scenario), but rather their value is greater as scientific signposts to help target detailed chemical and biological analyses of water, sediment, and biota.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Maybe you could put up a signpost for the great shovel, so it will start digging in the right place".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "great signpost", ensure the context clearly establishes what the signpost is pointing towards. For example, "This study serves as a "great signpost" for future research directions."

Common error

Avoid using "great signpost" in casual conversation or informal writing. It is more appropriate for formal or analytical contexts where a clear indicator or guide is being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great signpost" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object within a sentence. It describes something that serves as a significant indicator or guide, pointing towards a particular direction, outcome, or understanding. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts to highlight something that provides guidance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "great signpost" serves as a descriptive term for something that clearly indicates a direction or provides guidance. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English, primarily in neutral to formal contexts such as news, media and science. While not exceedingly common, its function is to emphasize the significance and clarity of an indicator. Alternatives like "clear indicator" or "important guide" can be considered for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear indicator

Focuses on the quality of being easily understood as a sign.

important guide

Emphasizes the significance of the guidance provided.

key pointer

Highlights a specific piece of information that is crucial.

significant marker

Implies that the sign is notable and worth paying attention to.

telling sign

Suggests that the sign reveals something important or informative.

notable indicator

Similar to "significant marker" but with a slightly different emphasis.

prominent signal

Indicates a clear and easily noticeable sign.

leading indicator

Suggests that the sign predicts a future trend or outcome.

crucial clue

Emphasizes the importance of the sign in solving a problem or mystery.

valuable insight

Focuses on the understanding gained from the sign.

FAQs

How can I use "great signpost" in a sentence?

You can use "great signpost" to describe something that clearly indicates a direction or outcome. For example, "The company's increasing profits are a "great signpost" of future success".

What phrases are similar to "great signpost"?

Alternatives to "great signpost" include "clear indicator", "important guide", or "key pointer".

Is "great signpost" too formal for casual conversation?

Yes, "great signpost" leans towards formal usage. In casual settings, consider simpler terms like "good indication" or "clear signal".

What is the difference between "great signpost" and "leading indicator"?

"Great signpost" generally refers to a clear indicator, while "leading indicator" specifically suggests a sign that predicts future trends or outcomes.