have signalled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have signalled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a signal or message has been sent or communicated in the past and may still be relevant. Example: "The recent changes in policy have signalled a shift in the company's direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ministers have signalled their wishes.

The Guardian

Tories have signalled they would reinstate charges.

The Guardian

Their management teams have signalled they are ready to talk".

Independent

Some countries, notably Germany, have signalled their opposition to sanctions.

The Economist

France and Italy have signalled a readiness to help.

The Guardian

The Tories have signalled that they will oppose the bill.

The Guardian

The attacks were supposed to have signalled one of the great transformations in the country's history.

The New Yorker

The choice would have signalled both McCain's independence and his return to a more bipartisan agenda.

The New Yorker

In addition, ministers have signalled their determination to tighten restrictions on student visas.

Independent

Other positive indicators have signalled that the economy is growing anyway.

Independent

Not long ago, such material would have signalled righteous social criticism.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have signalled", ensure the context clearly indicates what message or intention was conveyed. It's often helpful to specify the means by which the signal was given (e.g., "have signalled through policy changes").

Common error

Avoid using "have signalled" when the action was merely a possibility or a weak indication. The phrase implies a reasonably clear intention or message, so ensure the evidence supports this level of certainty.

Linguistic Context

"Have signalled" functions as a present perfect verb phrase, typically used to indicate that an action in the past has implications or relevance in the present. It suggests that a signal, message, or intention has been communicated. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and frequent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have signalled" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to indicate that an intention, message, or plan has been communicated, often in a subtle or indirect manner. Ludwig AI identifies it as correct and commonly used, particularly in news media, science, and formal business contexts. When using "have signalled", ensure the context clearly supports the idea of a deliberate communication, and avoid overstating the strength of the signal. Alternatives like ""have indicated"" or ""have suggested"" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have indicated

Replaces "signalled" with a more direct term for showing something.

have shown

A simpler alternative focusing on the act of displaying or revealing.

have suggested

Implies a less direct communication, hinting at something without explicitly stating it.

have communicated

Focuses on the act of conveying information.

have expressed

Highlights the act of making feelings or opinions known.

have intimated

Suggests communicating subtly or indirectly.

have disclosed

Focuses on revealing information that was previously unknown.

have announced

Implies a formal or public declaration.

have revealed

Highlights the act of uncovering something.

have implied

Similar to "have suggested" but with a slightly stronger connotation of indirectness.

FAQs

How can I use "have signalled" in a sentence?

You can use "have signalled" to indicate that someone or something has communicated a message or intention, often subtly. For example, "The company's new policies "have signalled" a shift in strategy".

What are some alternatives to "have signalled"?

Alternatives include "have indicated", "have suggested", or "have shown". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "have signalled" or "have indicated"?

Both "have signalled" and "have indicated" are correct, but "have signalled" often implies a more subtle or indirect communication, while "have indicated" is more direct. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

Can "have signalled" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "have signalled" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reports, academic papers, and business documents. It's a versatile phrase for conveying intentions or messages.