signs on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "signs on" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to indicate agreement or approval of something. Example: The company signs on to the new policies with enthusiasm, hoping to boost their image in the community.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Following signs on Chrystie Street.

The New Yorker

There are no signs on the building.

The New York Times

Signs on a white field.

The Guardian - Books

You see signs on storefronts.

The New York Times

Two signs on the fence said "Emergency Housing".

The New Yorker

Signs on Brisbane's railways couldn't clearer.

The Guardian

There are many signs on both routes.

The New York Times - Arts

There were encouraging signs on the restart.

The Guardian - Sport

The signs on the door are ominous.

The New York Times

Most outlets now have "for rent" signs on them.

The New York Times

There have been some encouraging signs on pay lately.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "signs on" when referring to physical signs like those on buildings or roads, or when describing indicators of a trend or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "signs on" when you mean to "sign on", which refers to formally agreeing to something or enlisting in a service.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "signs on" typically functions as a noun followed by a preposition, often serving as a descriptive element within a sentence. It denotes the presence of signage or indicators within a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "signs on" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, predominantly found in news and media contexts. It serves to describe either physical signage or indicative elements, as highlighted by Ludwig's examples. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial not to confuse it with the verb phrase "sign on", which has a different meaning. The phrase's descriptive function and authoritative sources contribute to its reliability and widespread use. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, making it a valuable phrase for clear and informative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indications of

Focuses on the suggestive nature of the signs, highlighting what they point to.

signals indicating

Emphasizes the communicative function of the signs.

evidence for

Emphasizes the role of the signs as proof or support for something.

bearing signs of

Suggests that something carries or exhibits certain signs.

displays of

Refers to what is shown or exhibited by the signs.

symptoms of

Used when signs are indicative of a problem or condition.

announcements about

Emphasizes the act of notifying or informing through signs.

marked by

Highlights the presence of signs as a distinctive feature.

manifestations of

Refers to the outward appearances or forms that signs take.

emblazoned with

Focuses on the act of decorating or marking something with signs.

FAQs

How can I use "signs on" in a sentence?

The phrase "signs on" is typically used to describe physical signs present in a location, such as "There were warning signs on the road". It can also refer to indicators of a trend or situation, as in "There were positive signs on the economic horizon".

What's a good substitute for "signs on"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "signs on" include "indications of", "evidence for", or "bearing signs of".

What is the difference between "sign on" and "signs on"?

"Sign on" typically means to formally agree or enlist, while "signs on" refers to physical signage or indicators.

Is it correct to say "the sign is on the wall" instead of "signs on"?

Yes, "the sign is on the wall" is grammatically correct, but it refers to a single sign. "Signs on" is used to generally describe multiple signs or indicators, such as "Signs on storefronts".