leading symptom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leading symptom" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in medical or psychological contexts to refer to the most prominent or significant symptom of a condition or disease. Example: "In patients with this illness, the leading symptom is often severe fatigue, which can significantly impact their daily lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

To read: For the American Scholar, T. M. Luhrmann writes about the newest method for combatting auditory hallucinations: Modern American psychiatry treats auditory hallucinations as the leading symptom of serious psychotic disorder, of which the most severe form is schizophrenia.

The New Yorker

The replacement of America's middle-class suburbs, however flawed, by wealthier exurbs and secondhand suburban remnants is a leading symptom of America's 21st-century reinvention as a society of stark class divisions, spatial segregation and inherited social status.

The New York Times

Nocturnal dyspnea was the patient's leading symptom.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

The following recommendations concern adults with headache as the leading symptom over the age of 18.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The leading symptom is short stature, while numerous but mild stigmata manifest in the craniofacial region.

Archives of Oral Biology

Recurrent wheezing due to airway obstruction is the leading symptom of asthma accompanied by coughing with and without mucus production.

Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

When Mota came back, his earned run average soared to 5.76, and he was one of the leading symptoms of a late-season collapse.

The New York Times - Sports

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric illness with hallucinations, delusions, poverty of thought and emotions, social withdrawal and cognitive deficits as leading symptoms.

Plosone

Anxiety and fear are the leading symptoms in anxiety disorders such as panic disorder and phobias, which are thought to feature complex neurobiological underpinnings with both genetic as well as environmental factors.

Plosone

As already stated, fatigue is one of the leading symptoms of PH [ 1].

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

However, tumor may occlude 75%% of the lumen before leading symptoms.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a condition, clearly identify the "leading symptom" to provide a concise and informative overview for the reader.

Common error

Avoid focusing on less significant symptoms while overlooking the true "leading symptom". Ensure your description accurately reflects the most impactful and representative indicator of the condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading symptom" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an appositive, identifying or describing the most significant symptom of a disease or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

80%

News & Media

17%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leading symptom" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to identify the most prominent symptom of a disease or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suggests its primary use is within scientific and medical contexts. It serves to clearly and concisely communicate the most significant indicator for diagnostic and treatment purposes. When writing, it's important to accurately identify the "leading symptom" to provide a clear and informative overview, avoiding the common error of focusing on less significant indicators. Alternatives include "primary indicator" and "main manifestation", offering slight variations in emphasis. The phrase is most frequently found in scientific literature and news media, reflecting its importance in both research and public health communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most prominent symptom

Emphasizes the visibility or obviousness of the symptom.

major symptom

A more general term emphasizing the symptom's significance.

primary indicator

Emphasizes the role of the symptom as a key sign or signal of a condition.

main manifestation

Focuses on the symptom as the principal way a disease or condition presents itself.

presenting symptom

Highlights the symptom that leads to the diagnosis or investigation of a condition.

chief complaint

Common in medical contexts, referring to the patient's primary reason for seeking care.

predominant sign

Highlights the symptom as the most noticeable or prevalent indicator.

key characteristic

Draws attention to the symptom as a defining feature of the condition.

principal feature

Highlights the symptom as the most important or noticeable aspect.

initial presentation

Focuses on how the condition first becomes apparent through a particular symptom.

FAQs

How to use "leading symptom" in a sentence?

You can use "leading symptom" to describe the most prominent indicator of a disease or condition. For instance, "The patient's "leading symptom" was a persistent cough".

What can I say instead of "leading symptom"?

Alternatives include "primary indicator", "main manifestation", or "chief complaint", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "leading symptom" and "major symptom"?

"Leading symptom" implies the most prominent or indicative symptom, while "major symptom" simply indicates a significant symptom, which may not be the most indicative one. "Leading symptom" suggests a clearer diagnostic clue.

Is it appropriate to use "leading symptom" in formal writing?

Yes, "leading symptom" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in medical or scientific contexts. It clearly and concisely conveys important information about a condition's presentation. However, be specific.