positive signal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "positive signal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate a favorable indication or sign of something, often in discussions about trends, behaviors, or responses. Example: "The increase in customer engagement is a positive signal that our marketing strategy is working."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is a very positive signal".

The New York Times

"It is a positive signal for foreigners working and living in Vietnam".

The New York Times

Mr. Shaer added, "This sends a positive signal to our people and decreases tension".

The New York Times

An agreement would be a strong, positive signal to potential investors.

The Guardian

Though a positive signal would have been welcome, nature was not so kind!

The Guardian

"The positive signal such tours would send would not be appropriate".

The Guardian - Sport

Some analysts saw the Indian proposal as a positive signal, given the stubborn standoff.

The New York Times

Burress offered a tepid nod, and the man was unsure if that was a positive signal.

The New York Times - Sports

But if Castor had made a point of trying, it would at least have sent a positive signal to victims.

The Guardian

Are you hopeful that the demise of Abbott is a positive signal in the global effort to tackle climate change?

The Guardian

Of course, we should not take this as a granted contract, but it is a positive signal for Kraev's progress".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "positive signal" when you want to clearly communicate that a particular piece of information or event suggests a favorable outcome or trend. It's suitable for both technical and general contexts.

Common error

While "positive signal" is widely applicable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations where simpler terms like "good sign" or "that's great" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "positive signal" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "positive" modifies the noun "signal". It describes a specific type of sign or indication. According to Ludwig, it correctly conveys a sense of something favorable or encouraging.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "positive signal" is a commonly used phrase that indicates a favorable sign or indication. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While versatile, it's best employed in situations where a clear and slightly formal tone is desired. Alternatives include "encouraging indication" and "favorable sign". While the term is well-understood, overuse in informal settings should be avoided in favor of simpler phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encouraging indication

Replaces "signal" with "indication", emphasizing the hopeful nature of the sign.

favorable sign

Substitutes "positive" with "favorable" and "signal" with "sign", offering a slightly more general alternative.

promising development

Shifts the focus to a development that suggests a positive outcome.

optimistic sign

Replaces "positive" with "optimistic", highlighting the hopeful nature of the sign.

good omen

Uses a more figurative term, "omen", to suggest a sign of good fortune.

uplifting message

Emphasizes the positive and encouraging nature of the communication.

heartening development

Similar to "promising development" but with an emphasis on emotional positivity.

reassuring indicator

Highlights the comforting and confidence-boosting nature of the "indicator".

welcome indication

Focuses on the reception of the sign being positive and desired.

auspicious sign

Uses a more formal and somewhat archaic term, "auspicious", to denote a favorable sign.

FAQs

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

You can use "positive signal" to indicate a favorable sign or indication. For example, "The increase in sales is a "positive signal" that our marketing campaign is working".

What's a good alternative to "positive signal"?

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

Is "positive signal" formal or informal?

"Positive signal" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more common in professional or academic settings than in very casual conversations.

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

It means that the observation, event, or data point suggests a beneficial or desirable trend or outcome. The interpretation depends on the specific context in which the phrase is used.