signal

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "signal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as both a noun and a verb. Example sentence: She gave the signal to start the race.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a clear signal the Rudd government is preparing for a crackdown on people smugglers ahead of the federal election, Carr said his department was preparing "up to date" information for the immigration tribunals about the political situation in the countries from which refugee applicants come, so they did not approve those who had no genuine fear of persecution.

The Guardian

It was an important signal of Australia's new engagement in international relations.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If you have a 20-second music piece, you cannot really express anything … It can just signal maybe a scene change … If you allow it to develop, the music can do its job in telling what is not said and showing what you cannot see".

The Guardian - Music

We are able to find a water vapor signal that is clearly a positive feedback.

The Guardian

There was no mirror, signal, manoeuvre in 1882.

The Guardian

Three days later, Hope's signal was lost.

The Guardian

For our energy makeover this week I was given a standby saver, which was useful; I plugged my television into it and it has a sensor that responds to a signal from the TV remote control, so I just use that instead of switching the plug off at the wall.

The Guardian

Some feminists pointed out that women suffer detriment to their careers when they change their names; that they signal their submission to their husbands, and reinforce to their children the idea that women are inferior to men.

The Guardian - Books

Under the proposals, rail passengers will be able to get online via equipment installed alongside the track instead of being reliant on a satellite signal.

The Guardian

The comments followed concerns from some ministers that a parliamentary inquiry would send the wrong signal to Australia's trading partners.

The Guardian - Business

Modern reliance on mobile phones means that when visitors find themselves without a signal, they're flummoxed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "signal" in technical contexts, ensure that the specific type of signal (e.g., electrical, radio) is clear to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "signal" when "noise" is more appropriate. "Signal" refers to useful information, while "noise" refers to irrelevant or distracting data.

Linguistic Context

The word "signal" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it represents a sign or indication; as a verb, it means to indicate or communicate something. Ludwig provides numerous examples of both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Tech

25%

Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "signal" functions effectively as both a noun and a verb across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use, especially in news, tech, and business domains. The word serves to convey information or indicate a specific state. While maintaining a neutral register, "signal"'s effectiveness lies in its adaptability and clarity, making it a common and valuable term in modern communication. Remember to differentiate "signal" from "noise" to ensure precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sign

A broad term that indicates the presence or likelihood of something.

cue

Focuses on the action of prompting or initiating something.

indication

Emphasizes something that points to a particular fact or state.

message

Focuses on the content being conveyed.

alert

Implies a warning or call to attention.

prompt

Highlights the act of encouraging or causing an action.

communication

Highlights the transmission of information.

gesture

Suggests a non-verbal communication.

wave

Specifically refers to hand movement as a form of signaling.

omen

Indicates a sign of something to come, often with a sense of foreboding.

FAQs

How can I use "signal" in a sentence?

You can use "signal" as a noun, like "The traffic light gave a clear signal to proceed", or as a verb, like "The company signaled its intent to merge".

What's the difference between "signal" and "sign"?

"Signal" often implies a deliberate action or communication, while "sign" can be a more general indicator. A "sign" might occur naturally, but a "signal" is usually sent intentionally.

What can I say instead of "signal" when referring to a warning?

Consider using alternatives such as "alert", "warning", or "alarm" to emphasize the cautionary aspect.

Is it correct to use "signal" in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "signal" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, although the specific meaning may vary depending on the situation. In formal settings, it might refer to a policy signal, while in informal settings, it could refer to a phone signal.