sign of optimism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sign of optimism" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing positive indicators or hopeful developments in various contexts, such as economics, personal situations, or social issues. For example: "The increase in community engagement is a sign of optimism for the future." Alternative expressions include "indicator of hope" and "symbol of positivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Another sign of optimism is the rise in premiums being offered for publicly traded companies.

The New York Times

"We wanted to present this as a sign of optimism post the election".

The New York Times

We found a "no thanks" worked sufficiently well, which is perhaps a sign of optimism.

The Guardian - Travel

But there was one sign of optimism - unemployment grew less than expected.

The Guardian - Business

An offhand wish from a young boy becomes a poignant sign of optimism.

The New York Times

"It is not a sign of insensibility: it is a sign of optimism and at the same time of innocence".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

However, there were some signs of optimism.

The Guardian - Opinion

There were signs of optimism, however.

The New York Times

There were signs of optimism in Thursday's data.

The New York Times

Probably not, since there are signs of optimism almost everywhere.

The Guardian - Sport

But as last week's breakthrough in the Middle East peace process shows, there are signs of optimism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sign of optimism", ensure the context clearly supports a positive interpretation. Avoid using it sarcastically or in situations where the optimism is unfounded.

Common error

Be careful not to mistake short-term upticks for long-term trends. A single positive data point might be a "sign of optimism", but it's essential to look for sustained improvements before drawing firm conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sign of optimism" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies something that indicates a hopeful outlook or positive development. As Ludwig AI suggests, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sign of optimism" serves as a noun phrase indicating a hopeful outlook or positive development. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase conveys hope and highlights positive trends. While alternatives like "promising sign" or "hopeful indication" exist, "sign of optimism" is versatile and widely understood. A key writing tip is to ensure the context genuinely supports a positive interpretation, avoiding unfounded or sarcastic applications. Remember to look for sustained improvements before drawing solid conclusions, as short-term upticks do not necessarily mean a reliable "sign of optimism".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause for optimism

Emphasizes the justification or reason behind the optimistic outlook.

promising sign

Focuses on the potential and expectation of something good.

positive indicator

Highlights the role as a metric or sign showing a positive direction.

hopeful indication

Emphasizes the indicative nature of optimism, focusing on hope.

encouraging signal

Stresses the signal aspect and its power to boost confidence.

positive development

Highlights the positive aspect and its evolution.

glimmer of hope

Indicates a small but significant instance of hope.

reason for hope

Highlights the justification for feeling hopeful.

upward trend

Focuses on the improving direction or trajectory.

ray of sunshine

Metaphorically suggests something that brings light and positivity.

FAQs

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

You can use "sign of optimism" to describe something that indicates a positive change or a hopeful outlook. For example, "The decrease in unemployment is a "sign of optimism" for the economy."

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

Alternatives include "promising sign", "hopeful indication", or "positive development". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "signs of optimism" instead of "sign of optimism"?

Yes, "signs of optimism" is correct and refers to multiple indicators suggesting a positive outlook. "Sign of optimism" refers to a single indicator.

What is the difference between "cause for optimism" and "sign of optimism"?

"Cause for optimism" ("cause for optimism") indicates a reason or justification for being hopeful, while "sign of optimism" specifically refers to something that suggests things are improving.