signaling to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "signaling to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is conveying a message or indication to another person or group. Example: "The teacher was signaling to the students to quiet down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The man we had cut off was signaling to my husband to roll his window down.

The New York Times

Behind him, the men slam down their dominoes, signaling to their partners with sharp slaps that resound across the path.

The New York Times

Dramatic colors result from the light-shortened days and cold nights, signaling to the leaves their time of turning.

The New York Times

I feel like signaling to Carmen to open the door, summon the broom closet and get me out of here.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it's not true that in every terrific book there's a terrific film wildly signaling to be let out.

The New York Times

We made eye contact, and I smiled, signaling to the trash and saying, "I think you dropped something".

The New York Times

It can jeopardize peace by signaling to potential rebels that the government "is planning to turn nasty".

The New York Times - Books

Thus, the task force's statement turned a red stoplight into a yellow one, signaling to plastic surgeons: Proceed with caution.

The New York Times

He gave the choke sign, apparently signaling to someone on the scorer's table that the Wildcats would collapse.

The New York Times - Sports

All while signaling to our neighbors that we are in self-imposed exile, so please do not disturb.

The New York Times

Torre has been touching his front shoulder, signaling to Jeter during an at-bat to lay back on pitches.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "signaling to" when you want to emphasize that an action or event is intended to send a specific message or cue to someone. For example, "The company's restructuring is signaling to investors that it is committed to growth."

Common error

Avoid using "signaling to" when direct communication is more appropriate. "Signaling to" implies a non-verbal or indirect message. If you are directly informing someone, use "telling" or "informing" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "signaling to" functions as a verb phrase that describes the act of conveying a message or intention. Ludwig AI shows that it is often used to describe indirect communication through actions or events, not just direct verbal communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "signaling to" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of conveying a message or intention, often indirectly, through actions, changes, or subtle cues. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, with prominent use in "news & media", "science", and "formal & business" writing. While effective for conveying indirect communication, it should not be confused with direct communication, such as "telling" or "informing". Consider alternatives like "indicating to" or "communicating to" for nuanced variations. Remember, effective writing is about choosing the most precise way to articulate your intention, and "signaling to" is a useful phrase to have in your toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Communicating to

Focuses on the act of conveying information in a more general sense, not necessarily through a specific signal.

Indicating to

Highlights the act of pointing something out or suggesting something, often subtly.

Signifying to

Emphasizes the meaning or importance being conveyed by the action.

Gesturing to

Implies non-verbal communication through hand movements or body language.

Alerting to

Focuses on drawing attention to a potential danger or important piece of information.

Notifying to

Formal way to say inform, usually in professional or official contexts.

Advising to

Offers guidance or recommendations to someone.

Informing to

Highlights the act of providing knowledge or facts.

Hinting to

Suggests indirect or subtle communication.

Suggesting to

Proposes an idea or course of action to someone.

FAQs

How can I use "signaling to" in a sentence?

You can use "signaling to" to indicate that someone or something is conveying a message, intention, or cue to another party, often in a subtle or indirect way. For example: "The change in policy is "signaling to" employees that performance expectations are increasing."

What are some alternatives to "signaling to"?

Alternatives to "signaling to" include "indicating to", "communicating to", or "gesturing to", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "signaling to" and "telling"?

"Signaling to" implies a more indirect form of communication, often through actions or subtle cues, whereas "telling" refers to direct verbal communication. You "tell" someone something explicitly, but you "signal to" them implicitly.

When is it appropriate to use "signaling to" instead of "informing"?

Use "signaling to" when the message is conveyed through actions, changes, or implied meanings. Use "informing" when directly and explicitly conveying information. For example, a company might restructure, "signaling to" investors their commitment to growth, rather than directly "informing" them.