send out signals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "send out signals" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to some kind of communication, either verbal or nonverbal. For example, "The nervous student was sending out mixed signals that made it difficult for the teacher to understand their intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

If I don't send out signals that we're going to talk about identity, they don't.

The New Yorker

Once they locate an injured person, they stay put and send out signals.

The New York Times - Tech

But Rodriguez had seemed to send out signals that he was an urban cowboy.

The New York Times - Sports

But he will continue to send out signals of his desire.

Independent

Her team developed gold nanorods that send out signals that lure liposomes filled with anticancer drugs to tumors.

Harvard University

After infiltrating synovial tissue, they send out signals that call in other super-aggressive immune cells and cause ordinary synovial cells to become inflamed and destructive.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

"He was sending out signals that were contrary to reality".

The New York Times

These are not sending out signals, and you need to recapture the owl to download data.

University of California, Berkeley

I wonder, have I been sending out signals that I'm a cruise nut or something?

The New Yorker

François Hollande has sent out signals that he might be willing to undertake the job.

The Guardian - Opinion

In recent days, Iraqi officials have sent out signals of both defiance and accommodation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, prefer this phrase when describing how cells or biological entities communicate via chemical or electrical impulses.

Common error

Avoid using "send out signals" when referring to static physical indicators. Use 'display signs' for permanent indicators and reserve "send out signals" for active, ongoing transmissions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "send out signals" acts as a dynamic verb phrase typically serving as the predicate of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it follows a standard English structure where 'send' is the main verb, 'out' is a particle indicating directionality or distribution and 'signals' is the direct object. It effectively describes the active initiation of communication.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "send out signals" is a highly effective and versatile expression in English. Analysis of data from Ludwig confirms its status as a grammatically correct phrase with widespread application in diverse fields. Whether you are writing about high-tech sensors in The New York Times, biological cell communication in Harvard University research or social cues in The New Yorker, the phrase accurately captures the act of transmission. Ludwig AI suggests that it is particularly useful for its ability to handle both literal electronic data and metaphorical human intentions. Writers should feel confident using it to add clarity and movement to descriptions of communication, provided they distinguish it from more static terms like 'signs'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emit signals

Focuses more on the physical or scientific release of energy or pulses

transmit signals

More technical and formal, often used in telecommunications

give off signals

Suggests a more passive or involuntary release of information

broadcast signals

Implies wide distribution to a large audience or area

dispatch signals

Carries a sense of intentional or official sending

convey messages

Shifts focus from the medium to the semantic content being sent

project signals

Often used in psychology to describe outward behavior or personality cues

relay signals

Suggests passing on information received from another source

issue signals

Implies a more authoritative or formal command-style communication

radiate signals

Describes a spread in all directions from a central point

FAQs

How do I use "send out signals" in a sentence?

You can use it literally, as in "The satellite began to "send out signals" to the base", or figuratively, such as "He was "sending out signals" that he was ready for a promotion".

What is the difference between "send out signals" and "transmit signals"?

While both are correct, "transmit signals" is typically more formal and used in engineering or technical documentation, whereas "send out signals" is more common in general journalism and everyday speech.

Can I use "emit signals" instead?

Yes, "emit signals" is a strong synonym, though it often implies a physical or automatic process, like a radioactive isotope or a biological organism's natural response.

When is it better to use "give off signals"?

Use "give off signals" when the communication is subtle, unintended or related to body language and intuition rather than a conscious effort.