serve as a signpost

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you need to explain how something serves as a guide or indication for something else. For example, "The bright yellow signposts serve as a signpost to tourists so they know which way to go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Smells, too, serve as a signpost.

The New York Times - Travel

A SNP can be a variant of a gene, or can serve as a signpost for variants of a gene that are nearby.

The New York Times - Magazine

B5 Man Calls For His Execution Michael Bruce Ross, who has confessed to strangling eight girls and young women, said he wanted Connecticut to go ahead with his scheduled execution so it could serve as "a signpost" marking the day the families of his victims begin to heal.

The New York Times

Half of the WOs interviewed (5/10) expressed that there was some confusion over their role, and that in the case of mental health they serve as a signpost to appropriate services, therefore it would be more effective to send people directly to the MO.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Hedges are cut into the shape of some characters and a big, colourful mural serves as a signpost.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Whereas in society the price mechanism serves as a signpost to coordinate economic activity, in an organisation it is notoriously difficult to find adequate knowledge measures.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Riches Beneath Our Feet is itself a summary – at 260 pages it could hardly be otherwise – but it serves as a signpost to the literature available for those who want to dig more deeply.

The Guardian - Books

As a prelude to the Symphonic Dances, the wistful Vocalise — which Tovey kept moving along — served as a signpost of the earlier, lusher Rachmaninoff manner.

Los Angeles Times

Ebert called the film "the year's most slashing political commentary," but also said "It is too long and runs out of steam, but it serves as a signpost for our troubled times.

Wikipedia

Broca's report, although certainly not the first on the topic (see, Auburtin 1863 for a review of the cases reported before Broca), served as a signpost for the beginning of the modern study of cerebral localization.

Cerebral Cortex

Announced at CES back in January, Samsung's two new Chromebooks serve as a good signpost for how far the category has come in the five-and-a-half years since it was first launched, coupling offline functionality with a newfound access to Google Play, opening the laptop up to a sea of Android apps.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serve as a signpost" when you want to convey that something provides guidance or direction, whether literally or figuratively. For example, "The economic indicators serve as a signpost for future investment decisions."

Common error

Avoid using "serve as a signpost" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "act as an indicator" or "function as a guide" where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve as a signpost" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating that something acts as a guide or indicator. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate and commonly used to demonstrate that something guides or directs. Examples show its use in various contexts, from genetic markers to smells.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "serve as a signpost" is a grammatically sound and widely accepted expression used to describe something that provides guidance or direction. As Ludwig AI accurately indicates, it effectively communicates that an entity or event is acting as an indicator. Although it appears most frequently in news and scientific contexts, it can be used in various writing styles. To avoid repetition, consider employing synonyms like "act as an indicator" or "function as a guide". Overall, "serve as a signpost" is a useful and versatile phrase for conveying the idea of guidance or indication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act as an indicator

Replaces "serve" with "act", emphasizing the function of pointing something out.

function as a guide

Focuses on the guidance aspect, making it suitable when the primary role is to lead.

work as a marker

Highlights the role of identifying or denoting a specific point or location.

provide a cue

Implies a subtler form of guidance, often suggesting a hint or signal.

offer a direction

Directly suggests providing a sense of where to go or what to do.

point the way

A more metaphorical expression emphasizing guidance towards a goal.

show the path

Similar to "point the way" but more focused on the journey or process.

offer an indication

Stresses the aspect of providing information that suggests something.

be a beacon

More figurative, implying something that provides light and guidance in a broader sense.

help navigate

Focuses on aiding someone in finding their way, literally or figuratively.

FAQs

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

You can use "serve as a signpost" to indicate that something provides guidance or direction. For instance, "The early results "serve as a signpost" for the project's potential success".

What are some alternatives to "serve as a signpost"?

Alternatives include "act as an indicator", "function as a guide", or "provide a cue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "serves as a signpost" is correct when referring to a singular subject, while "serve as a signpost" is used for plural subjects or in the infinitive form.

What does it mean when something "serves as a signpost"?

When something "serves as a signpost", it means that it provides a clear indication or direction, helping to guide or orient understanding or action. It suggests that the item in question offers insight or prediction about future outcomes or situations.