i signalled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I signalled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action of indicating or communicating something, often in a non-verbal manner or through a signal. Example: "During the meeting, I signalled to my colleague to pass the document."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

I signalled to him to meet me in the vineyard.

The New Yorker

The examiner perceived my hazardousness and marked me down for not looking in my mirrors before I signalled – seven times.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Just signal and slide over," Arturo would urge me on the highway, and, as I signalled, other cars — other drivers — actually let me slide over!

The New Yorker

By this height the crews of both machines had tested their respective electrical heating sets, and McIntyre and I signalled to each other that everything was satisfactory.

The Guardian

He said: "In my very first act as leader, I signalled my personal priority: to mend our broken society – that passion is stronger today than ever.

The Guardian

Mine is another from Boatman … 2d Change of direction: Boatman'€™s lost faith (8) … a beautifully concise and plausible piece of language asking the solver to make an anagram of "direction" without the I signalled by "Boatman" for DOCTRINE.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Keep going, I signaled.

The New York Times - Travel

I signal for him not to speak again.

The New Yorker

I stop at traffic lights, I keep to the left, I signal my intentions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jitter is an important factor for serial digital interface video signal (SDI signal) analysis.

Measurement

When I signaled to him that I was, he presented a plate, lifting its cover.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I signalled", ensure the context makes clear what the signal was and to whom it was directed. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "I signalled" without providing context. Instead of saying "I signalled", specify the nature of the signal: "I signalled with a wave", "I signalled by clearing my throat" etc. This makes your communication precise and prevents confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I signalled" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action of communication via a signal. This communicative act is highlighted across Ludwig's examples, where the subject ("I") performed the action of signalling.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I signalled" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to describe the action of communicating through a signal. According to Ludwig, it is usable in written English and commonly appears in contexts like News & Media and Science. Although it's not the most frequent phrase, its clear meaning and the availability of alternatives like "I indicated" or "I gestured" make it a versatile choice for expressing this type of communication. When using it, it’s best to provide context about the nature of the signal to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I indicated

Replaces "signalled" with a more formal synonym, focusing on a direct communication of information.

I gestured

Emphasizes the use of a physical movement or action to communicate.

I motioned

Similar to "gestured", but often implies a more directed or specific movement.

I cued

Suggests providing a signal that prompts a specific action or response.

I prompted

Focuses on initiating an action or response through a signal.

I alerted

Highlights the act of warning or informing someone of something.

I notified

A more formal way of saying "alerted", implying an official communication.

I gave a sign

Rephrases the action, focusing on the provision of a signal.

I made a signal

Similar to "gave a sign", but perhaps less idiomatic.

I winked

Implies a discreet and private signal, often humorous or suggestive.

FAQs

What does "I signalled" mean?

It means that you communicated something through a signal, which could be a gesture, a sound, or any other action intended to convey a message.

What can I say instead of "I signalled"?

You can use alternatives like "I indicated", "I gestured", or "I motioned" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I signalled"?

Yes, "I signalled" is grammatically correct and commonly used. The Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written English.

How to use "I signalled" in a sentence?

Example: "During the performance, I signalled to the technician to adjust the lighting." It shows an action of communicating through a pre-arranged signal.