serve as a sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serve as a sign" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something functions as an indicator or symbol of a particular idea, condition, or event. Example: "The sudden drop in temperature can serve as a sign that winter is approaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Maybe those provisions will serve as a sign of good faith and help the bill earn early support from sceptical Democrats.

The Guardian - Opinion

Regardless of their impact, however, the sanctions serve as a sign of the administration's confidence that North Korea was behind the attack against Sony.

The Washington Post

Demonstrators have been arriving on buses from Occupy-related groups around the country, and some observers have suggested that the number of protesters who ultimately appear here will serve as a sign of the movement's current state.

The New York Times

A study of almost 7,500 men and women ages 65 or older suggests that among those with weak grip strength, elevated blood pressure does not serve as a sign of a high risk of early death.

Harvard University

Most of all, they say, it could serve as a sign that this city, which has lost more than half its population and struggles with violence and blight, is heading toward a long-awaited rebound.

The New York Times

Their obscene and sacrilegious actions punctuate the most important religious ceremonies and serve as a sign of the presence of the powerful primordial beings and as a means of social control by their satire of the antisocial behaviour of particular individuals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

On the basis of mathematical modeling and simulations, it was suggested that the coherent feedforward loop could serve as a sign-sensitive delay element: a circuit that responds rapidly to step-like stimuli in one direction (e.g. ON to OFF), and at a delay to steps in the opposite direction (OFF to ON).

Journal of Molecular Biology

He saw his depression while serving as a sign of his own weakness, the sabotaging of his own dream.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For a young market, established only in 1995, analysts say its impressive track record is important and serves as a sign of a stabilizing economy.

The New York Times

He tended his own garden, finding a way to live that served as "a sign of contradiction" to the declining world around him.

The New Yorker

The myth of Uncle Tom portrays the bodily suffering of blacks, which serves as a sign of their virtue and elicits white sympathy.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serve as a sign", ensure the connection between the sign and what it indicates is clear to your reader. Ambiguity can weaken the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "serve as a sign" when the evidence is weak or circumstantial. Overstating the importance of a sign can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve as a sign" functions primarily as a predicative expression, linking a subject to a characteristic or role it fulfills. It indicates that something acts as an indicator or representation of something else. This is supported by Ludwig AI, confirming its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serve as a sign" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates something functions as an indicator or symbol. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, further solidifying its acceptance in the English language. It is commonly found in news media and scientific contexts, signifying its widespread applicability. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in the connection between the sign and its indication. Alternatives like "act as an indication" or "function as an indicator" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act as an indication

Changes the verb to 'act' and uses 'indication' for a more formal tone.

function as an indicator

Replaces 'serve' with 'function' and 'sign' with 'indicator', emphasizing the role something plays.

be a signal of

Uses 'signal' instead of 'sign', suggesting a more direct and intentional form of communication.

represent as evidence of

Highlights the evidentiary aspect of the sign, implying proof or support for a claim.

point to as indicative of

Emphasizes the direction and suggestion implied by the sign.

symbolize as a harbinger of

Introduces a more figurative and predictive quality to the sign.

work as a clue for

Suggests a more subtle and investigative role for the sign, like in a mystery.

constitute a marker for

Highlights the role of something in establishing a boundary or milestone.

offer itself as a reflection of

Implies that the sign mirrors or corresponds to something else.

suggest as a symptom of

Connects the sign to an underlying problem or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "serve as a sign" in a sentence?

Use "serve as a sign" to indicate that something functions as an indicator or symbol. For instance, "The early bloom of flowers can "serve as a sign" that spring is near."

What can I say instead of "serve as a sign"?

You can use alternatives like "act as an indication", "function as an indicator", or "be a signal of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "serves as a sign" instead of "serve as a sign"?

Yes, the correct form depends on the subject. Use "serves as a sign" for singular subjects (e.g., "The red sky serves as a sign of impending rain") and "serve as a sign" for plural subjects or when using 'it' as a dummy subject (e.g., "These changes serve as a sign that the company is evolving").

What is the difference between "serve as a sign" and "is a sign of"?

"Serve as a sign" emphasizes the function or role of something as an indicator, whereas "is a sign of" directly states that something is an indication. They're often interchangeable, but "serve as a sign" can imply a more active or intentional role.