ominous signs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ominous signs" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe indications or warnings that something bad or threatening may happen. An example: "The dark clouds and sudden silence were ominous signs of the approaching storm." Alternative expressions include "foreboding signs" and "threatening indications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Those were ominous signs.

The New York Times - Sports

There are ominous signs.

The New York Times

There are ominous signs already.

The Economist

Other ominous signs abound.

The New York Times

But there are ominous signs.

The New York Times

There are already some ominous signs.

The Economist

There have been ominous signs for months.

The New York Times - Arts

But ominous signs warn hungry snoops away.

The New York Times

And sometimes they observe ominous signs of domestic violence.

The New York Times

But there were ominous signs that the worm would turn.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But commanders told the senators of more ominous signs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ominous signs" to create a sense of foreboding or impending danger in your writing. This phrase is most effective when the reader is already aware of potential risks or vulnerabilities.

Common error

Avoid using "ominous signs" in everyday conversations or light-hearted writing. The phrase carries a heavy connotation and can feel out of place if not used carefully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ominous signs" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies indicators that suggest a threatening or unfavorable outcome. Ludwig AI examples showcase its use in contexts ranging from sports to politics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ominous signs" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to highlight indicators of potential danger or negative outcomes. According to Ludwig AI, its presence is most prevalent in news and media, with a neutral to professional register suited for formal analyses and serious discussions. While versatile, it is crucial to avoid overuse in casual contexts to maintain its impactful connotation. Related phrases like "warning signs" and "foreboding signals" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific message. In summary, Ludwig AI affirms the phrase's correctness and utility in creating a sense of unease and prompting awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

warning signs

Focuses more on the explicit nature of a warning, rather than the implicit threat.

foreboding signals

Emphasizes the feeling of dread and anticipation of something bad.

disturbing indicators

Highlights the unsettling nature of the information received.

threatening portents

Suggests a more literary or dramatic context, using "portents" for signs of the future.

unfavorable indications

Presents a milder, more objective assessment of negative signs.

troubling developments

Focuses on the unfolding of concerning events.

ill omens

A more archaic or superstitious way of referring to bad signs.

negative precursors

Highlights that these signs come before something unfavorable.

inauspicious beginnings

Specifically points to a bad start suggesting a negative outcome.

grim auguries

Similar to "threatening portents" but more directly tied to divination or prophecy.

FAQs

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

You can use "ominous signs" to describe situations where there are indications that something bad might happen. For example, "The economic downturn and rising unemployment were "ominous signs" for the future."

What are some alternatives to "ominous signs"?

Some alternatives to "ominous signs" include "warning signs", "foreboding signals", or "disturbing indicators". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "ominous signs" formal or informal?

"Ominous signs" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase. It is suitable for news reports, academic papers, and serious discussions, but might sound overly dramatic in casual conversation.

What does "ominous signs" imply?

"Ominous signs" implies that there are indications suggesting something bad or unpleasant is likely to happen in the future. It creates a sense of foreboding and potential danger.