signal possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "signal possible" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to the possibility of a signal being present or available, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "The technician indicated that a signal possible could be detected in the area, but further investigation is needed."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"This sends the worst signal possible to international investors".

The New York Times - Tech

But Maryland officials tightened security at major bridges and ordered extra boat patrols because of concerns that the tape could signal possible surveillance for a terrorist operation.

The New York Times

When I reached for Thomas's pint glass on our second date, I was sending the most deliberate and seductive signal possible.

The New York Times

Mr. Joy said a rise in the financial sector could signal possible increased credit quality and earnings improvements in banks.

The New York Times

The AI monitors and scores millions of transactions daily, using data on purchase location and customer behavior, IP addresses, and other information to identify subtle patterns that signal possible fraud.

Harvard Business Review

We find that IRS attention increases for restatements caused by the misapplication of accounting rules in all tests, which supports the argument that restatements signal possible tax misreporting and merit additional inspection.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Latin America seemed to be going the other way, with Mexico, Colombia and Chile signalling possible moves to loosen abortion laws.

The Guardian

If a tan signals possible skin damage, why is it also associated with a lower risk of skin cancer?

Harvard University

Was it the flying scud missiles or the sirens that wailed nearly hourly early on in the war, signaling possible incoming chemical or biological weapons?

The New York Times - Magazine

The complex ruling was a partial victory for the Bush administration and signaled possible trouble for those trying to prove that the eavesdropping program was illegal and unconstitutional.

The New York Times

Signalling possible tweaks to the law, Obama said his administration was working to close "some of the holes and gaps" that have caused millions of Americans to get cancellation letters.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, restructure the phrase to use "possible" as an adjective describing a specific event or situation. For example, use "a possible solution" instead of "solution possible".

Common error

Avoid placing "possible" directly after the noun it modifies. This can create awkward phrasing. Instead, ensure the adjective precedes the noun for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "signal possible" primarily functions as a noun phrase where "possible" attempts to modify "signal". However, due to its non-standard word order, it does not conform to typical English grammar rules. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is not correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "signal possible" is grammatically incorrect due to its non-standard word order. Ludwig AI reinforces this assessment. While it appears in various contexts, including news, science, and academia, it is advisable to use clearer alternatives like "possible signal" or "potential signal" for better communication. Its frequency is uncommon. To enhance clarity and grammatical correctness, ensure that the adjective precedes the noun it modifies, particularly in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Potential signal

Replaces "possible" with "potential" for improved flow.

Possible signal

Inverts the order of the words to create a more natural construction.

Signal suggesting possibility

Uses "suggesting" instead of "indicating" for a slightly different nuance.

Signal indicating possibility

Expands the phrase to emphasize the indication of a possibility.

Indication of a possible

Replaces "signal" with "indication" for a more formal tone.

A sign of a possible

Adds context by clarifying that the signal is a sign of something.

Hint of a potential

Uses "hint" instead of "signal" to convey a subtle indication.

Suggests a chance of

Shifts the structure to focus on the chance of something occurring.

Points to a potential

Replaces "signal" with "points" as an action.

May indicate a future

Specifies a future event that the signal may indicate.

FAQs

What does "signal possible" mean?

The phrase "signal possible" is not grammatically correct. It's better to say "possible signal" or "potential signal".

How can I use "signal possible" in a sentence correctly?

It's recommended to rephrase the sentence for better clarity. For example, instead of saying "this sends the worst signal possible", you could say "this sends the worst possible signal to international investors".

What is a better alternative to "signal possible"?

Better alternatives include "possible signal", "potential signal", or "sign of a possible [event/outcome]" depending on the context.

Is "signal possible" grammatically correct?

No, "signal possible" is not grammatically correct in standard English. The correct phrasing is "possible signal", where the adjective "possible" precedes the noun "signal".