illuminating sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "illuminating sign" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sign that provides light or clarity, often in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "The illuminating sign at the entrance of the park guided visitors even in the dark."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

At around Hour 36, a more illuminating sign occurred.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The previously illuminated sign is still there, now unlit: Nous Productions Présente Eagles of Death Metal.

The Guardian

He says there is a three-hour power cut every day, and a faulty illuminated sign on the municipal electricity building that reads "Electr____ _____a__" instead of "Electricity of Lebanon".

The Guardian

The day after my fMRI scan, Tracey took me to her department's Clinical Pain Testing lab, a room that she refers to as her "torture chamber". A red illuminated sign blinked "Do Not Enter," and Tracey removed a retractable belt blocking the door.

The New Yorker

She turned off an illuminated sign outside and unplugged a soda machine, replacing it with a water cooler.

Los Angeles Times

"Mattel has been an identity here in Hawthorne since they started". Mattel, visible because of the giant, illuminated sign perched atop its building, owns about nine acres and leases 26 more acres next to the San Diego Freeway.

Los Angeles Times

The Sherwood Outdoor division controls the illuminated signs on both buildings.

The New York Times

The current regulations for signs in a residential zone that allows hotels do not permit illuminated signs, or signs more than 20 feet above the curb.

The New York Times

A transparent and rigid plastic, PMMA is often used as a substitute for glass in products such as shatterproof windows, skylights, illuminated signs, and aircraft canopies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They first heat straight glass sticks, then twist them into shape, fill them with either neon or argon, and they've got illuminated signs.

The New York Times

On Wednesday at 6 p.m., a panel will discuss the future of the large vinyl and illuminated signs that are used for advertising today.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sign that not only provides light but also conveys information or a message, use "illuminating sign" to capture both aspects.

Common error

Avoid using "illuminating sign" solely to describe brightness if the sign doesn't offer any insight or clarification. Use it when the sign's message enhances understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "illuminating sign" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "illuminating" modifies the noun "sign". It describes a sign that emits light, often with the implication that it also provides information or guidance. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "illuminating sign" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase, describing a sign that provides light, often implying it also offers information or guidance. While relatively uncommon, it appears across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias. The register is generally neutral, suitable for both formal and informal writing. When considering alternatives, "luminous sign" and "lighted sign" serve as close synonyms, though "illuminating" subtly suggests a deeper clarity beyond mere brightness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

luminous sign

Synonymous, focusing on the light-emitting quality of the sign.

lit sign

A more concise way of saying the sign is illuminated.

clarifying sign

Focuses on the sign's role in making something clearer, rather than just providing light.

revealing sign

Emphasizes the sign's ability to uncover or disclose information.

showing sign

Highlights the sign's act of displaying or indicating something.

telling sign

Suggests that the sign is indicative or significant.

perfect sign

Implies the sign is ideally suited for its purpose.

bright sign

Simply refers to a sign that is visibly luminous.

helpful sign

Highlights the sign's usefulness in providing guidance or information.

interesting sign

Indicates the sign is worthy of attention or curiosity.

FAQs

What is another way to say "illuminating sign"?

You can use alternatives like "luminous sign" or "lighted sign" depending on the context.

When should I use "illuminating sign" instead of just "lighted sign"?

Use "illuminating sign" when the sign not only emits light but also provides information or insight, making something clearer. A "lighted sign" simply refers to a sign that is lit.

Can "illuminating sign" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "illuminating sign" can be used metaphorically to describe something that provides clarity or understanding, similar to how a physical sign provides light and direction. In some contexts "revealing sign" can be used as a replacement.

Is "illuminating sign" formal or informal?

The phrase "illuminating sign" is generally considered neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Consider the overall tone of your writing when deciding if it is appropriate.