sign of affection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sign of affection" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to an action or gesture that shows love, fondness, or care towards someone. Example: He gave her a warm hug as a sign of affection before leaving for work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

When I expressed the opinion that my horse's bumping me gently with his head was a sign of affection, he said, "Affection?

The Guardian - Books

I shouldn't be mad because these nicknames are a sign of affection.

The New York Times

Young lovers in ancient Greece hung wreaths on their lovers' doorways as a sign of affection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kind of cute, though, isn't he, the way he perks up at the least sign of affection?

The New York Times

Some have given me this name of Meyer Lansky, the Jewish mobster, as a sign of affection.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Nobody hissed at me, and two of them were blowing bubbles, which is a sign of affection," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

How do we know that these are signs of affection?

The Guardian - Opinion

Such signs of affection are common in many parts of the world outside of the States.

The New Yorker

Physical contact when not painful, like pats, strokes, and hugs, can be interpreted as signs of affection.

The New York Times - Health

You root for Philip and Elizabeth, sighing when signs of affection appear on their watchful, well-regulated faces.

The New Yorker

Both thought that decency (a favourite word of Orwell's) was to be found elsewhere.The two corresponded with appreciation and even with signs of affection.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relationships, use "sign of affection" to highlight specific actions rather than general feelings. For example, "Holding hands was their usual sign of affection" is more descriptive than "They showed affection".

Common error

Avoid using "sign of affection" for purely conceptual or impersonal situations. It's better suited for direct interpersonal interactions. For example, saying "Increased sales were a sign of affection from customers" is less effective than "Customers showed their support through increased sales".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sign of affection" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a specific action, gesture, or symbol that represents feelings of love, care, or fondness. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

16%

The Guardian - Opinion

5%

Less common in

The New Yorker

2%

Huffington Post

2%

Encyclopedia Britannica

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sign of affection" is a widely used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes an action or gesture expressing love, care, or fondness. As Ludwig confirms, it is commonly found in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, and Wiki. Its register is neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "sign of affection", it is best to highlight specific actions within relationships, avoiding overuse in abstract situations. Alternatives include "gesture of love" or "expression of care", each offering subtle nuances. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "sign of affection" to enhance clarity and emotional depth in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gesture of love

Focuses more on the loving aspect of the action.

display of fondness

Highlights the feeling of fondness being shown.

act of endearment

Emphasizes the endearing nature of the action.

expression of care

Highlights the caring aspect being demonstrated.

token of love

Emphasizes the symbolic nature of the gesture.

indication of fondness

Slightly more formal, indicating a hint of affection.

demonstration of care

Focuses on the act of showing care.

outward affection

Highlights the visible nature of the affection.

loving gesture

Emphasizes the loving nature of the action with fewer words.

tender expression

More poetic, focusing on the tenderness of the expression.

FAQs

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

You can use "sign of affection" to describe actions that demonstrate care or love. For example, "A hug can be a simple "sign of affection"" or "Giving gifts is often seen as a "sign of affection"".

What is a more formal way to say "sign of affection"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "demonstration of affection" or "expression of care" as alternatives to "sign of affection".

What's the difference between "sign of affection" and "act of kindness"?

"Sign of affection" specifically implies love or fondness, while "act of kindness" refers to a more general act of goodwill or generosity. A "sign of affection" is always an act of kindness, but an act of kindness is not always a "sign of affection".

What are some non-verbal signs of affection?

Non-verbal "signs of affection" can include hugging, holding hands, winking, or even just maintaining eye contact. These gestures often convey feelings of warmth and connection without the need for words.