sign of

USAGE SUMMARY

"sign of" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to refer to something that is seen as a symbol of a concept or emotion. For example, "The morning sunshine was a sign of hope for a better tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A sign of vulnerability.

The New York Times

A sign of weakness?

The Economist

(No sign of Trigger).

The New York Times - Arts

A sign of recovery?

The Economist

A sign of life?

The Economist

A sign of nerves?

The New York Times

Sign of tension.

The New York Times

No sign of Ali.

The New York Times

Sign of a crackdown?

The New Yorker

It's a sign of balance.

The New York Times - Food

No sign of it yet.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sign of" to indicate a symbolic relationship between an observable event or characteristic and a broader concept or condition. For example: "Increased investment is a "sign of" economic recovery."

Common error

Be mindful of redundancy. Phrases like "clear sign of" or "obvious sign of" can often be simplified to just "sign of" without losing meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sign of" primarily functions as a linking phrase, connecting an observation or event to a broader concept, quality, or condition. Ludwig AI shows many instances where it introduces an interpretation or assessment of a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sign of" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates a symbolic or indicative relationship between an observed event or characteristic and a broader concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It functions as a linking phrase to connect observations to interpretations and is employed across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal writing. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both casual and professional communication, while alternatives like "indication of" or "evidence of" can add nuance depending on the intended meaning. Remember to avoid redundancies and leverage its symbolic power to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indication of

Replaces 'sign' with a direct synonym, focusing on the act of pointing something out.

evidence of

Shifts the focus to concrete proof or support for a claim.

symptom of

Implies that something is a manifestation of an underlying problem or condition, particularly in medical or metaphorical contexts.

mark of

Suggests a distinctive characteristic or trait.

reflection of

Highlights how something mirrors or represents another thing.

symbol of

Emphasizes that something represents a deeper meaning or idea.

proof of

Indicates that something serves as conclusive evidence.

omen of

Suggests that something predicts a future event, often with a sense of foreboding.

index of

Suggests that something serves as a measure or indicator of something else.

manifestation of

Implies that something is a clear and obvious demonstration of something else.

FAQs

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

The phrase "sign of" is used to indicate that something is evidence or an indication of something else. For example, "The blooming flowers are a "sign of" spring." or "The company's growth is a "sign of success"".

What are some alternatives to "sign of"?

Alternatives to "sign of" include phrases like "indication of", "evidence of", or "symptom of", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "sign of" or "signal of"?

While both "sign of" and "signal of" can indicate something, "sign of" is generally used for broader indications or symbols, while "signal of" often implies a more direct communication or warning. For example: "The red sky at night is a "sign of" good weather", while "The flashing light is a "signal of danger"".

When is it appropriate to use "sign of" in formal writing?

"Sign of" is appropriate in formal writing when indicating evidence, symptoms, or symbolic representations. It maintains a neutral tone suitable for academic, business, and news contexts. Ensure the context aligns with a professional or objective presentation.