initial sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial sign" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the first indication or signal of something occurring or beginning. Example: "The initial sign of spring is often the blooming of crocuses and daffodils."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

However, the window of opportunity is narrow, and early containment operations should be initiated as soon as the initial sign of a potential pandemic is detected.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

But the announcement was mostly seen as an initial sign of good faith by the Pakistanis — perhaps to Afghan Taliban leaders in exile in Pakistan, perhaps to Afghan or American officials who seek to open talks, most likely all of the above — in a slow-moving negotiations process that has been blighted by deep mistrust on all sides.

The New York Times

It was his meeting with Mr. Bosworth in New York in July that offered an initial sign of modest warming in diplomatic relations after the bitter chill produced by the North's continued nuclear activities, its testing of long-range missiles and the lethal shelling of a South Korean island, as well as the sinking of a South Korean naval vessel, which the South said was attacked by the North.

The New York Times

The image to the right shows how the initial sign up will look.

TechCrunch

After the initial sign up, users can authorize future payments anywhere GoCardless is offered with just one click.

TechCrunch

To report a case of human T-cell leukemia virus type1 (HTLV-1)–associated adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) whose initial sign was exophthalmos.

American Journal of Ophthalmology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

It amounts to 1percentt of the premium for each month beyond the initial sign-up period.

The New York Times - Health

Typically companies parcel out the initial sign-up invitations to a select few, asking that they kick the tires and offer feedback on any lingering bugs or flaws in the software.

The New York Times - Tech

Initial signs are discouraging.

The New York Times

Initial signs are promising.

The Guardian

What are the initial signs of dementia?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "initial sign" to highlight the importance of early detection or intervention.

Common error

Avoid using "initial sign" when you actually mean the concluding or ultimate indication. The "initial sign" points to the start, not the end.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial sign" functions as a noun phrase identifying the beginning of something noticeable. As Ludwig AI shows, it often appears in medical or scientific contexts to describe the beginning of a condition or process.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initial sign" is a grammatically correct and neutrally registered noun phrase used to denote the very beginning of something observable, particularly in contexts such as science and news reporting. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is useful for identifying early indicators and symptoms. Related phrases include "first indication" and "early symptom". When using "initial sign", ensure you are referring to the true starting point and not a later development, and recognize its importance in highlighting the need for early detection or response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first indication

Focuses on the aspect of temporal precedence and being the very first hint.

early indication

Emphasizes the aspect of occurring at an early stage.

preliminary indication

Highlights that it is an early and potentially not definitive signal.

initial signal

Uses 'signal' to imply a message or communication.

early symptom

Specifically refers to a sign of a condition, often medical.

first symptom

Specifies it's the very first manifestation of a condition.

early warning

Conveys a sense of impending danger or problem.

incipient sign

Highlights that the sign is just beginning to appear or develop.

first clue

Suggests the beginning of an investigation or understanding.

nascent sign

Emphasizes the emerging or newly formed nature of the sign.

FAQs

How to use "initial sign" in a sentence?

You can use "initial sign" to describe the first indication or symptom of something. For example, "The fever was the "initial sign" of the infection".

What can I say instead of "initial sign"?

Alternatives include "first indication", "early warning", or "preliminary indication" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "initial sign" and "early sign"?

"Initial sign" refers specifically to the very first observable indication, while "early sign" can refer to any indication appearing in the beginning stages, but not necessarily the absolute first.

Can "initial sign" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "initial sign" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in scientific, medical, or technical contexts where precise descriptions of early indicators are crucial.