put a sign on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put a sign on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of placing a sign on a surface or object to convey information or instructions. Example: "Please put a sign on the door to indicate that the meeting is in progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not long ago, a feud broke out between Donna's and the Hacienda when one put a sign on the access road advertising free parking.

The New York Times

There was one guy who put a sign on his office door, "Will work for food".

The New York Times - Science

At one point, the group put a sign on the studio door that read: "LMCC -- We Create Art So You Don't Have To".

The New York Times

In one organization, a manager put a sign on his door that looked like a gas gauge.

Huffington Post

Put a sign on your door, or at your front gate if you have one: " Warning: Day sleeper.

WikiHow

"You could put a sign on it saying, 'Groceries.'Groceries

The New York Times

Put a sign on the front door saying, 'MAN SLEEPING.

The New York Times

It's not enough to just put a sign on the door reading "women welcome".

The Guardian

He might as well have put a sign on his chest that said "Hit me".

The New York Times

Once it was enough to put a sign on your door: "Back in five minutes".

The Guardian - Books

"If you're selling a house, you'd put a sign on the lawn and let everyone know it's for sale".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "put a sign on", ensure the context clearly indicates what the sign is intended to communicate. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions where an active voice is more direct and engaging. Instead of "A sign was put on the door", opt for "The manager put a sign on the door."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put a sign on" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of attaching or displaying a sign. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's a direct way to describe the act of conveying information through signage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "put a sign on" is a versatile and commonly used phrasal verb that effectively communicates the action of displaying a sign for various purposes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its neutral register allows for use in diverse contexts, from news reports to everyday instructions. While alternatives like "place a sign on" or "affix a sign to" exist, "put a sign on" remains a straightforward and easily understood choice. Remember to consider clarity and context when using this phrase to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

place a sign on

Replaces "put" with "place", maintaining the action of affixing a sign.

affix a sign to

Substitutes "put" with "affix", emphasizing a more formal attachment.

post a sign on

Uses "post" instead of "put", suggesting the act of displaying a sign publicly.

display a sign on

Replaces "put" with "display", focusing on the visual presentation of the sign.

attach a sign to

Similar to 'affix', but less formal.

fasten a sign to

A formal alternative, suitable for official notices.

mount a sign on

Suggests a more permanent installation of the sign.

hang a sign on

Implies suspending the sign from something.

stick a sign on

Suggests a more casual or temporary method of attachment.

tack a sign on

Using tacks for attachment, implying a less permanent fixture.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "put a sign on" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "affix a sign to" or "display a sign on", which suggest a more deliberate and official action.

What is the difference between "put a sign on" and "post a sign on"?

"Put a sign on" is a general term for placing a sign, while "post a sign on" often implies making the sign publicly visible, such as on a notice board or in a public area.

Is it correct to say "put a sign up" instead of "put a sign on"?

Yes, "put a sign up" is a common and generally acceptable alternative to "put a sign on", though the latter may be slightly more precise depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "put a sign on" in writing?

The phrase "put a sign on" is appropriate in both formal and informal writing contexts when you want to describe the act of placing a sign on a surface to convey information or instructions. For example, "Put a sign on the door to indicate the room is in use".