is a sign of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a sign of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is indicative or suggestive of a particular condition, situation, or quality. Example: "The increase in temperature is a sign of climate change affecting our planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is a sign of showing off.

The New York Times - Travel

"Oil is a sign of generosity".

The New Yorker

This is a sign of hope.

The New York Times - Arts

"Communication is a sign of dysfunction.

The New Yorker

But whining is a sign of weakness.

The New York Times

It is a sign of the times.

Independent

That is a sign of the times.

The New York Times

Surprisingly, this is a sign of progress.

The Economist

"This is a sign of unity".

The New York Times

"That is a sign of desperation.

The New York Times

That is a sign of lower activity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a sign of" to introduce an interpretation or diagnosis based on observed evidence. Ensure the connection between the sign and what it signifies is logical and clear to your audience. For example, "Decreased appetite is a sign of illness."

Common error

Avoid using "is a sign of" when the evidence is weak or the conclusion is speculative. Overstating the significance can mislead your audience and weaken your argument. Instead of saying "This minor detail is a sign of widespread corruption", consider "This minor detail might suggest further investigation is warranted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a sign of" functions as a linking phrase, connecting an observation or event to its potential meaning or implication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to denote that something serves as an indication or evidence of something else. Examples from Ludwig range from "This is a sign of hope" to "That is a sign of desperation", illustrating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

23%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a sign of" is a versatile and widely used expression for indicating a connection between an observation and its implied meaning. As Ludwig AI validates, it's grammatically correct and applicable across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and informal writing. Its primary function is interpretive, helping to clarify underlying conditions or characteristics. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to use it judiciously, ensuring a clear and logical connection between the sign and its interpretation to avoid misinterpretations. Using alternatives like "indicates" or "suggests" can add nuance to your writing, depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is indicative of

A more formal and emphatic way of saying something is a sign.

indicates

A more direct synonym, implying a clear pointing to something.

is evidence of

Highlights the providing of proof or verification.

suggests

Implies a less direct indication, more of a hint.

points to

Similar to "indicates" but can imply a direction or trend.

represents

Highlights the symbolic meaning of something.

demonstrates

Implies a clear and obvious display of something.

signals

Emphasizes communication or warning about something.

betrays

Suggests an unintentional revelation of something.

marks

Highlights something distinctive or important.

FAQs

How can I use "is a sign of" in a sentence?

Use "is a sign of" to indicate that something is indicative or suggestive of a particular condition, situation, or quality. For example: "The increase in sales is a sign of a healthy economy."

What are some alternatives to "is a sign of"?

You can use alternatives like "indicates", "suggests", or "is indicative of" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "is a sign of"?

While generally correct, ensure the connection between the 'sign' and its interpretation is logical and well-supported. Avoid using it for speculative or weak connections. Consider alternatives like 'may suggest' if the evidence is not definitive.

What's the difference between "is a sign of" and "is a symptom of"?

"Is a sign of" is a more general term, while "is a symptom of" is typically used in medical or psychological contexts to indicate a specific manifestation of a disease or condition. For example, "Fever is a symptom of the flu", while "Increased traffic is a sign of economic growth".