sign towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sign towards" is not commonly used in written English and may not be considered correct.
It could be used in contexts where you are indicating a direction or intention related to a sign, but it is not standard. Example: "The sign towards the park was clearly visible from the road."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

We peel off following a crooked sign towards "Crooked Creek", over a rusty bridge with felled trees in the water either side.

The Guardian - Travel

The Football Association has confirmed Steven Gerrard will face no action following allegations the midfielder made a V sign towards the referee Andre Marriner during the defeat at Wigan.

The Guardian - Sport

Last April, as a sign towards improved US-Russian relations, Obama and Medvedev signed an arms control treaty that would see both countries cut their nuclear arsenals by a third by 2017.

The Guardian - Opinion

This suggests that teaching practices at this level have incorporated exploratory elements into the pedagogy, a positive sign towards the goal of 21st century learning.

EPJ Data Science

Arsenal have offered Nasri an improved, long-term deal at the Emirates and were confident he would sign towards the end of last season, but doubts have grown throughout the summer, encouraging suitors that they can prise him away from north London.

BBC

Our data indicate that treatment with saxagliptin resulted in a lower RCF which should be considered as a sign towards normalization of RCF in early type-2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular Diabetology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

[Hill-Wood makes discreet V-sign towards audience] Man with halitosis: The young kids aren't really up for it are they?

The Guardian - Sport

There were signs towards the end of the year though that Mohammad Ashraful and his boys might finally glimpse light at the end of a seemingly interminable dark tunnel.

The Guardian - Sport

One of the most encouraging signs towards the end of the year came with ACE's announcement of a new strategy to encourage diversity by holding non-profit organisations to account over how well they are reflecting diversity in the communities they serve.

The Guardian

Boothroyd told BBC Radio Northampton: "I think there is a chance [of him signing towards the end of pre-season].

BBC

This assured that what is written in this study in English matches that which was signed towards the participants in BSL.

Functional Linguistics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sign towards", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a physical sign or a more abstract indication. In many cases, a more precise verb like "point" or "indicate" might be preferable for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "sign towards" excessively in academic or professional writing. Opt for stronger verbs like "demonstrate", "indicate", or "suggest" to convey a more authoritative and precise tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sign towards" functions as a verb phrase, often acting as a linking phrase to indicate direction, tendency, or progress. As Ludwig AI states, this is not considered the most precise language.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sign towards" is an acceptable but somewhat imprecise way to indicate direction, tendency, or progress. Ludwig AI suggests that it is not always the most precise choice. Its frequency is uncommon, and it appears most often in news, media, and scientific contexts. For clarity and impact, especially in formal writing, it is often preferable to use more specific verbs such as "point", "indicate", or "suggest". While grammatically sound, the overall expert rating leans towards a more nuanced approach, suggesting that while "sign towards" is usable, a more refined selection of words will add strength and clarity. Therefore, it's best to use "sign towards" thoughtfully and assess whether a more precise alternative would enhance the communicative value of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

point in the direction of

Focuses on physical direction, emphasizing the act of pointing.

indicate a path towards

Highlights the guidance or direction provided, using 'path' metaphorically.

gesture in the direction of

Emphasizes a non-verbal cue, implying less directness.

be indicative of a movement toward

More formal and abstract, suggesting a trend or inclination.

signal an intention for

Shifts focus to the intention being conveyed rather than physical direction.

suggest a progression to

Emphasizes advancement or development.

imply a tendency to

Highlights a leaning or predisposition.

lead the way to

Emphasizes guidance and direct influence on the direction

act as a guide towards

Highlights the role of guidance and mentorship.

display directional information about

Focuses on the display of directional information, less direct in its semantic content.

FAQs

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

You can use "sign towards" to indicate direction or progress, as in "The developmental changes are a "sign towards" maturity". However, consider if a more specific verb would be clearer.

What's a more precise alternative to "sign towards"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "point to", "indicate", or "suggest" for greater clarity and impact.

When is it appropriate to use "sign towards"?

It is appropriate when you want to convey that something serves as an indication of direction or progress. However, evaluate if a more direct verb would enhance the sentence's effectiveness.

Is "sign towards" always the best choice for indicating direction?

No, "sign towards" is not always the best choice. Consider alternatives that offer greater precision and impact, especially in formal writing, as more specific verbs often provide clearer communication.