initial signs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial signs" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the early indications or evidence of something. For example, "We have seen some initial signs that the economy is recovering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

But the initial signs are promising.

The Economist

The initial signs look pretty good.

The New York Times

But initial signs are not encouraging.

The Economist

However, the initial signs are not promising.

The Guardian

The initial signs, however, are promising.

The Guardian - Film

Guidolin said: "The initial signs are encouraging.

The Guardian - Sport

But the initial signs are encouraging.

The New York Times

We're already noticing initial signs of this.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, clearly state the methodology used to identify the "initial signs" to ensure transparency and credibility.

Common error

Avoid drawing firm conclusions based solely on "initial signs". Emphasize the need for further investigation or evidence to confirm early indications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial signs" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes early indications or evidence of something, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples, which demonstrate its wide applicability across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

30%

Science & Research

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "initial signs" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for denoting early indications or evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for a range of contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific discourse. While versatile, it's important to avoid overstating conclusions based solely on these early signs. Related phrases like "early indications" or "preliminary evidence" can offer nuanced alternatives. Being mindful of potential misuse and drawing only cautious conclusions ensures that you use this phrase effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

early indications

Focuses on the act of indicating rather than the signs themselves.

first glimpses

Emphasizes a brief, initial look or view.

preliminary evidence

Highlights the evidentiary aspect of the early signs.

primary indicators

Emphasizes the role of the signs as indicators.

nascent signals

Uses a more formal and scientific term for early signals.

emerging trends

Suggests a pattern or direction becoming apparent.

early manifestations

Highlights how something is revealed or displayed.

dawning prospects

Implies a positive or promising outlook.

opening stages

Focuses on the beginning phase or period.

incipient symptoms

Specifically refers to the early symptoms of a condition or disease.

FAQs

How can I use "initial signs" in a sentence?

You can use "initial signs" to describe early indications or evidence of something. For example, "The "initial signs" suggest that the new policy is having a positive impact".

What are some alternatives to using "initial signs"?

Alternatives include "early indications", "preliminary evidence", or "emerging trends", depending on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate: "initial signs" or "early signs"?

"Initial signs" and "early signs" are often interchangeable, but "initial signs" might be preferred when emphasizing the very first indications observed.

What's the difference between "initial signs" and "incipient symptoms"?

Incipient symptoms specifically refer to the early symptoms of a disease or condition, while "initial signs" is a more general term for early indications of any kind of development or situation.