sure sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sure sign" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that clearly indicates or signals something else. For example, "The dark clouds in the sky were a sure sign that a storm was coming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sure sign of Lib Dems".

The Economist

Sure sign of a widower.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That would give us a sure sign.

The Guardian - Sport

"For me, that is a sure sign.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is a sure sign of any community's prosperity.

The Economist

This is a sure sign of disgust in the manager.

The New York Times - Sports

A sure sign of a life cruelly lived.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Contreras was wandering, a sure sign that something was wrong.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's the first sure sign you're sinking," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

A sure sign that these pretty Jaguar coupes are undervalued.

The New York Times

It's a sure sign he thinks he's losing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sure sign" to clearly indicate a strong probability or inevitable outcome based on available evidence. For increased impact, follow it with a concise explanation of what it signifies.

Common error

Avoid using "sure sign" when the indication is merely suggestive or based on limited evidence. Reserve it for situations where the connection is highly probable and well-supported.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sure sign" functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or appositive. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to categorize or describe something as a definitive indication of something else, providing a clear signal or symptom.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sure sign" emerges as a versatile and widely used expression for denoting a reliable indicator or signal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts. Analysis reveals it as a noun phrase functioning to highlight a clear and predictable connection between two occurrences. While alternatives like "clear indication" and "definite indication" exist, "sure sign" remains a favored choice, especially in journalism, informal communication, and scientific writing. Remember to employ "sure sign" judiciously, reserving it for well-supported connections and steering clear of overuse when evidence is scant. Its prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its validity, making it a valuable tool in writing. In conclusion, use the phrase with precision to suggest certainty and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear indication

Replaces "sign" with a more formal noun, emphasizing clarity.

definite indication

Similar to "clear indication", highlighting the certainty of the sign.

certain indicator

Uses "indicator" instead of "sign", focusing on the predictive aspect.

distinct signal

Replaces "sign" with "signal", suggesting a clear communication.

telling symptom

Highlights the revealing nature of the sign.

guaranteed symptom

Emphasizes a predictable outcome or condition.

reliable marker

Focuses on the dependability of the sign as a point of reference.

unmistakable evidence

Shifts the focus to concrete proof, making the sign undeniable.

positive proof

Emphasizes the conclusive nature of the sign as evidence.

unfailing testament

Suggests a strong and unwavering indicator.

FAQs

How can I use "sure sign" in a sentence?

You can use "sure sign" to indicate a high probability or inevitable outcome based on available evidence. For example, "The increasing number of vacant storefronts is a "sure sign" of economic decline".

What are some alternatives to "sure sign"?

Alternatives to "sure sign" include "clear indication", "definite indication", or "certain indicator" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "sure sign" in formal writing?

While "sure sign" is generally acceptable, in highly formal contexts, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "unmistakable evidence" or "positive proof" to maintain a more elevated tone.

What's the difference between "sure sign" and "possible sign"?

"Sure sign" implies a high degree of certainty and reliability, suggesting a strong and predictable connection. "Possible sign", on the other hand, indicates a weaker connection and a lower probability, suggesting that the sign might not always lead to the expected outcome.