positive sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "positive sign" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a certain indicator of progress or success, such as when a teacher gives a student a positive sign after receiving a good test score. For example, "The teacher gave her student a positive sign when she finished her test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"That's a positive sign.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a positive sign".

The New York Times

So that's a positive sign".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a more positive sign.

The New York Times

That was a positive sign.

The New York Times

Got a positive sign here.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So that is a positive sign".

Independent

In an positive sign for the I.P.O.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

There are positive signs.

The New York Times - Sports

These are all positive signs".

The New York Times

There are other positive signs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "positive sign", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being indicated as positive. Be specific about the potential benefits or improvements associated with the sign.

Common error

Avoid using "positive sign" without providing sufficient context. Saying something is a "positive sign" without explaining what it signifies or why it's beneficial can leave the reader confused or skeptical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "positive sign" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "positive" modifies the noun "sign". According to Ludwig, it serves to identify an indication that something is favorable or promising. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use across diverse domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "positive sign" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that indicates an encouraging development or favorable indication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase and serves to express optimism. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but also finds use in scientific and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies what is being indicated as positive to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "encouraging indication" or "promising development" can be used depending on the specific context. Overall, "positive sign" is a versatile phrase for signaling optimism across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

promising development

Highlights the potential for growth or progress in a particular situation.

encouraging indication

Emphasizes the suggestion of future success or improvement.

reassuring signal

Highlights the reduction of anxiety or uncertainty.

cause for optimism

Suggests a reason to feel hopeful about the future.

constructive indicator

Highlights the practical or beneficial nature of the signal.

welcome sign

Emphasizes the relief or pleasure associated with a particular event or development.

upward trend

Specifically refers to a pattern of increase or improvement.

auspicious sign

Similar to "favorable omen" but perhaps slightly more formal.

favorable omen

Implies a prediction of good fortune, often in a more traditional or superstitious sense.

good news

A simple, direct expression of something positive happening.

FAQs

How can I use "positive sign" in a sentence?

You can use "positive sign" to indicate an encouraging development or indication. For example, "The increase in sales is a "positive sign" for the company's future".

What are some alternatives to "positive sign"?

Alternatives include "encouraging indication", "promising development", or "favorable omen", depending on the specific context.

Is "positive sign" formal or informal?

"Positive sign" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific context may influence the overall tone.

What does it mean when someone says something is a "positive sign"?

It means that there is an indication or signal that something good is happening or is likely to happen in the future. The speaker is interpreting a specific event or trend as a harbinger of positive outcomes.