provide a sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide a sign" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to give an indication or signal about something. Example: "Please provide a sign if you are ready to proceed with the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Tough early fixtures could provide a sign of things to come.

Independent

The few elite runners who had already arrived in New York said they hoped the race would provide a sign of hope for the region.

The New York Times - Sports

In a week where hundreds of thousands went on strike, it would provide a sign that cinemagoers, too, can withdraw their cooperation when presented with films too lazy to give them human drama when CGI incontinence will do.

The Guardian - Film

Anyone who owns or operates 20 or more vending machines would have to "provide a sign in close proximity to each article of food or the selection button that includes a clear and conspicuous statement disclosing the number of calories contained in the article," the bill says.

The New York Times

The highest bioaccumulation factors among three Scleractinian coral species investigated was for Zn followed by Mn, Ni, Fe, Cd and Cu can provide a sign about pollution levels.

Marine Pollution Bulletin

As for the implications for fragments on large land masses, he argues that these small islands provide "a sign of things to come".

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

5) Partner up: Work out a deal with a partner company wherein they provide a sign-up link to your email list on one of their newsletters.

Huffington Post

Other inclusion criteria included TCM syndrome integral ≥8, aged 18 to 65 years old, and able and willing to provide a signed and dated informed consent form.

BMC Gastroenterology

Be sure to have literature to hand out at the event, and provide a sign-up sheet to get people's email addresses so you can let them know about the next event you organize.

WikiHow

The interest here, though, is not in its familiar multicultural approach, but in its locale, providing a sign of what the New South now means.

The New York Times - Arts

Rather, beauty is in the mind of the artist, and the artwork provides a sign of the mental states of the artist.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provide a sign", ensure the context clearly indicates what the sign is meant to signify or indicate. Ambiguity can weaken the message.

Common error

While "provide a sign" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in extremely informal contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "give a signal" or "show an indication" to maintain a consistent tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide a sign" functions as a verb phrase. It typically acts as the predicate of a sentence, indicating that something is giving an indication or signal. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provide a sign" is grammatically correct and functions as a verb phrase, often used to indicate that something offers an indication or signal. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for neutral to slightly formal communication, and several alternatives like "give an indication" or "offer a signal" exist for more specific nuances. When using "provide a sign", ensure that the sign's intended meaning is clear to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give an indication

Replaces "provide" with "give" and "sign" with "indication", making it slightly more formal.

offer a signal

Similar to "provide a sign" but uses "offer" instead of "provide", suggesting a more proactive action.

furnish a clue

More specific, implying the sign is meant to help solve a problem or mystery.

extend a cue

More formal, suggesting a subtle or indirect signal.

issue a prompt

Implies the sign is meant to initiate an action or response.

present an omen

Implies the sign is predictive of future events, often with a negative connotation.

impart a warning

Specifically refers to a sign that alerts of potential danger.

display a mark

Focuses on the visibility of the sign rather than its meaning.

show a token

Suggests a symbolic gesture rather than a literal sign.

communicate a message

Broader in scope, encompassing any form of communication.

FAQs

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

You can use "provide a sign" to indicate that something is offering an indication or signal. For example, "Tough early fixtures could "provide a sign" of things to come."

What are some alternatives to "provide a sign"?

Alternatives include "give an indication", "offer a signal", or "furnish a clue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "provide a sign" or "gives a sign"?

The phrase "provide a sign" is generally more formal and often implies a deliberate action, whereas "gives a sign" can sound less intentional. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

In what situations would I use "provide a sign" instead of "provide a signal"?

While similar, "provide a sign" often refers to something more symbolic or indicative, while "provide a signal" typically implies a more direct or intentional form of communication. Consider the intended meaning when choosing between the two.