signals that

USAGE SUMMARY

"signals that" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a clause or phrase that indicates a sign or indication of something else. For example: - The loud siren signals that there is a fire nearby. - His nervous hand gestures signaled that he was lying. - The sudden drop in temperature signals that winter is approaching. - The announcement signaled that the company was going through major changes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But smaller sensors produce weak signals that must be magnified.

The New York Times

An embryo is awash in signals that can guide them.

The New York Times - Science

Sometimes they deliberately follow the signals that are sent out".

The Guardian

"He was sending out signals that were contrary to reality".

The New York Times

He was looking for signals that revealed the player's lies.

The New York Times

They extract raw electrical signals that can be translated mathematically into signals that computers and robots understand.

The New York Times - Science

Are there signals that might suggest someone has a problem?

The New York Times

High-definition signals that aren't.

Forbes

So the signals that make something relevant have now changed.

TechCrunch

Artifacts are undesirable signals that can interfere with neurological phenomena.

Clinical Neurophysiology

I'm sure you can distinguish the signals that are kind, easy-going, enthusiastic, and fun from the signals that are downright nasty, negative, competitive, complaining, and fearful.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "signals that" to clearly indicate a relationship between a sign or action and its likely consequence or meaning. It provides a direct way to interpret events or behaviors.

Common error

Avoid using "signals that" in constructions where the "that" is unnecessary or creates a redundant phrase. For example, instead of saying "The evidence signals that that the economy is improving", say "The evidence signals that the economy is improving."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "signals that" functions as a connector or introductory phrase, introducing a clause that explains what something indicates or implies. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, from news to scientific articles, consistently indicating a relationship between an observed phenomenon and its interpretation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "signals that" is a versatile and frequently used connector in English, primarily functioning to introduce a clause that explains the meaning or implication of a preceding event or observation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely employed across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. Alternatives like "indicates that" or "suggests that" can be used for slight variations in meaning, but "signals that" provides a direct and clear way to convey interpretive relationships. However, be mindful of potential redundancy in sentence construction by removing unnecessary "that" repetitions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicates that

Replaces "signals" with a more formal synonym, maintaining the same function.

suggests that

Offers a slightly weaker connotation compared to "signals", implying a hint rather than a direct indication.

implies that

Similar to "suggests that", but focuses more on indirect communication or deduction.

points to the fact that

More verbose, emphasizing the evidential nature of the signal.

demonstrates that

Highlights the clear and observable evidence provided by the signal.

is evidence that

Directly states the signal's role as proof or supporting information.

gives the impression that

Focuses on the perception created by the signal, rather than its factual accuracy.

conveys the message that

Emphasizes the communicative aspect of the signal, highlighting its intended meaning.

highlights the fact that

Emphasizes the importance of the signaled information.

intimates that

A more formal and subtle way of suggesting something, often used when the signal is not overt.

FAQs

How can I use "signals that" in a sentence?

You can use "signals that" to introduce a clause that indicates an implication or sign of something. For example, "The increase in sales "signals that" the product is gaining popularity."

What are some alternatives to "signals that"?

Alternatives to "signals that" include "indicates that", "suggests that", or "implies that". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to include "that" after "signals"?

While often included for clarity, "that" can sometimes be omitted after "signals" without affecting the sentence's meaning. However, including "that" generally improves readability. So, "The data signals the market is improving" is acceptable, but "The data signals that the market is improving" is clearer.

What's the difference between "signals that" and "indicates that"?

"Signals that" and "indicates that" are often interchangeable, but "signals that" can imply a more immediate or obvious connection, while "indicates that" can suggest a more general or subtle pointer. For example, a flashing light signals immediate danger, while low test scores indicate underlying educational problems.