sign of progress

USAGE SUMMARY

"sign of progress" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to tangible evidence of improvement. For example, "The increase in test scores is a sign of progress for our school district."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a sign of progress.

The New York Times

"It's a huge sign of progress".

The New Yorker

That is one welcome sign of progress.

The Economist

This is largely a sign of progress.

The Economist

There is little sign of progress.

The New York Times

There is no sign of progress.

The New York Times

Surprisingly, this is a sign of progress.

The Economist

Is that a sign of progress?

The New York Times

"That's a genuine sign of progress".

The New York Times

That was a sign of progress.

The New York Times

This is the latest sign of progress.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sign of progress", consider specifying what kind of progress it is (e.g., "sign of economic progress", "sign of social progress") to provide more clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because two things occur together, one is necessarily a "sign of progress" caused by the other. Ensure there's a clear causal link, not just a correlation. For example, simply because technology adoption increases alongside societal problems doesn't automatically make it a "sign of progress".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sign of progress" functions primarily as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies something as an indication of improvement or advancement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and consistent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sign of progress" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote advancement or improvement. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable, especially in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific contexts. Its function is to describe and positively evaluate situations, conveying optimism. While the phrase is suitable for various registers, it is more common in professional and neutral contexts. Alternatives like "indication of advancement" or "evidence of improvement" can be used for variety, but "sign of progress" remains a clear and effective choice. Remember to ensure that any purported "sign of progress" is genuinely linked to actual advancement, avoiding mere correlations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indication of advancement

Replaces 'sign' with 'indication' and 'progress' with 'advancement', focusing on the act of moving forward.

evidence of improvement

Substitutes 'sign' with 'evidence' and 'progress' with 'improvement', highlighting the positive change.

mark of development

Replaces 'sign' with 'mark' and 'progress' with 'development', suggesting a stage of growth.

positive development

Simplifies the phrase by focusing solely on the positive nature of the advancement.

step forward

Uses a more metaphorical expression to indicate advancement.

advance in the right direction

Emphasizes not just any change, but a change that is beneficial and aligned with a goal.

promising trend

Highlights that the 'sign' is part of a pattern that suggests future positive outcomes.

glimmer of hope

Indicates a small but encouraging 'sign' that positive changes are starting to occur.

on the upswing

Implies that things are getting better, suggesting an upward trajectory.

light at the end of the tunnel

Suggests that difficulties are lessening and a resolution is near.

FAQs

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

You can use "sign of progress" to indicate improvement or advancement. For example, "The new policy is a "sign of progress" in environmental conservation".

What are some alternatives to saying "sign of progress"?

Alternatives include "indication of advancement", "evidence of improvement", or "positive development" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "sign of progress"?

While generally positive, ensure the "sign of progress" is genuine and not just perceived. Overusing it without clear justification can diminish its impact.

What's the difference between "sign of progress" and "glimmer of hope"?

"Sign of progress" suggests concrete evidence of advancement, whereas "glimmer of hope" implies a slight indication that something positive might occur, often in difficult situations.