sign of blue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sign of blue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an indication or symbol associated with the color blue, often in a metaphorical or artistic context. Example: "The artist used a sign of blue in her painting to evoke feelings of calmness and serenity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In the kitchen of Per Se, the wallet-busting restaurant on Columbus Circle, there is a sign of blue tiles reading "Sense of Urgency" on the wall.

The New York Times

The prepared iodine solution was titrated against the sample until the endpoint was reached (the first sign of blue color that remains after at least 20 s of swirling).

International Journal of Food Contamination

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Wilson admitted that any signs of blue figures going up on the leaderboard at Medinah to show that Olazabal's players are ahead in their matches will encourage others who may be struggling.

Independent

Of course, one of Sirius' major assets is the signing of blue maestro Howard Stern, so little ones' parents may wish to exercise a bit of discretion when romping through the 120 channels offered.

Forbes

By the time the crowd descended on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Tuesday night, a ten-foot-tall cardboard marionette of Manning had made its way into the congregation and was mugging next to a mock Lady Liberty, while nearly a dozen demonstrators in dead silence stood before the president's house with black-backed signs made of blue lights reading "Free Bradley".

Vice

By the time the crowd descended on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Tuesday night, a 10-foot-tall cardboard marionette of Manning had made its way into the congregation and was mugging next to a mock Lady Liberty while nearly a dozen demonstrators in dead silence stood before the president's house with black-backed signs made of blue lights reading "Free Bradley".

Vice

No sign of the Blue Goose.

The New Yorker

A thick blanket of clouds in varying shades of grey, a slow breeze and no sign of enough blue to make a sailor's pair of trousers.

The Guardian

The red-shingled Allen House, built in 1679 as a private residence, served as an unnamed Revolutionary War tavern, identified in those days as being "at the sign of the blue ball"; it is now the Monmouth County Historical Association Museum.

The New York Times

So the GT raises another question: Can Ford produce the less exotic products it needs to have in the showroom when someone, impressed by a GT flashing by, is inspired to check out the other cars at the sign of the blue oval?

The New York Times

Cells that showed signs of trypan blue uptake were considered to be dead, whereas those that excluded trypan blue were considered to be viable.

BMC Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sign of blue", consider the specific context. It can refer to a literal indication of the color blue or a metaphorical representation of something associated with blue, such as calmness or sadness. Ensure the intended meaning is clear to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "sign of blue" when a more direct description is appropriate. Overusing metaphorical language can obscure your meaning. If you mean 'a blue mark', say 'a blue mark' instead of trying to force a figurative interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sign of blue" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It denotes an indication, symbol, or evidence related to the color blue. Ludwig AI identifies its use in both literal (describing physical appearances) and figurative (representing abstract concepts) contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sign of blue" is used to indicate or suggest something related to the color blue, ranging from literal visual cues to metaphorical representations of associated concepts. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase, although its frequency is uncommon. The phrase's interpretation is highly context-dependent, and its usage varies across domains such as news, science, and general communication. Thus, understanding the intended meaning relies on considering the specific scenario in which it is used. This phrase is applicable in diverse settings, requiring writers to ensure clarity and avoid overusing metaphorical language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indication of blue

Replaces "sign" with "indication", maintaining the core meaning of a signal or hint related to the color blue.

hint of blue

Substitutes "sign" with "hint", suggesting a subtle or less obvious indication of the color blue.

symbol of blue

Replaces "sign" with "symbol", indicating that the blue color represents something else.

trace of blue

Substitutes "sign" with "trace", implying a very small amount or indication of blue.

evidence of blue

Replaces "sign" with "evidence", suggesting a more concrete or observable indication of blue.

manifestation of blue

Substitutes "sign" with "manifestation", indicating a visible or apparent form of blue.

appearance of blue

Replaces "sign" with "appearance", focusing on the visual aspect of blue being present.

presence of blue

Substitutes "sign" with "presence", simply indicating that blue is present.

omen of blue

Replaces "sign" with "omen", suggesting a prophetic or significant indication involving the color blue.

foreshadowing of blue

Substitutes "sign" with "foreshadowing", implying that the blue color hints at something that will happen in the future.

FAQs

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

You can use "sign of blue" to describe a visual cue related to the color blue, such as "The first "sign of blue" I saw was the sky reflected in the water" or to describe a non-literal representation. For example, "A "sign of blue" could indicate sadness."

What's a good alternative to "sign of blue"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "indication of blue", "hint of blue", or "symbol of blue" to express similar ideas.

Is "sign of blue" formal or informal?

"Sign of blue" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but its usage often depends on the specific meaning and surrounding language. In scientific papers, it can be used to report the results, while in daily life, it can be used to tell stories or express feelings.

What does "sign of blue" usually refer to?

The phrase "sign of blue" can refer to a literal visual cue involving the color blue or a metaphorical representation of something associated with blue, such as sadness, calmness, or stability. The meaning depends heavily on the context.