that would signify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that would signify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining the meaning or implication of something in a hypothetical context. Example: "If the project is delayed, that would signify a need for additional resources to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

By Wednesday and Thursday they began looking for red bumps and irritation that would signify infection.

The New York Times

The wholesaler figured that if the competitor entered the market in a tentative manner by offering only one or two tours, that would signify only half-hearted commitment.

Harvard Business Review

That the ICC backlash is taking place in the primary region that would signify "deep cooperation" makes these latest departures all the more important.

The Washington Post

With yesterday's decline, the S.& P. 500 is down 18.4percentt from its closing high in March 2000, just shy of a 20percentt loss that would signify to some market analysts that a bear market had begun.

The New York Times

Everything was calm and tense at the same time, the anticipation stoked by an incessant beeping -- beep, beep, beep -- the cadence of the timing mechanism that would signify another racer's start and bring forth a clamorous, throaty chorus of exhortations.

The New York Times - Sports

The Baghdad leadership, under threat of war from the U.S., did not have much leeway in its quest for a result that would signify Iraq's resolve, since Mr. Hussein drew 99.96 percent in the last referendum in 1995.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Peyton Manning moves closer to being the greatest ever Despite being 38-years-old, an age that most would signify as the point of decline in an NFL player's career, Peyton Manning continues to break records and guarantee a bust of himself in the Hall of Fame.

Independent

He did not spell out what that guy would signify (his interest in spelling out anything is obviously minimal) but he did say, "There was nothing definite about what happened, but there was a clean trend on view, a definite sense of what Tony and Carmela's future looked like.

The New York Times - Arts

He said that extra troops would signify that the UK took "defence and security seriously".

BBC

For most of France's modern history, that would have signified powerful political muscle lined up to assure that the deal would go through.

The New York Times

The company said in late September that it had sold to retailers roughly two million copies; that's a figure that would have signified a hit in years past, but with the cost of games rising, it is far from clear Spore was a hit or even a particularly profitable game.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that would signify" to introduce an interpretation or understanding of a situation, particularly when evaluating potential future outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "that would signify" when a more direct word like 'mean' or 'indicate' would suffice. This phrase is best suited for nuanced implications, not basic definitions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that would signify" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a hypothetical or conditional relationship. It connects a situation or event with its potential meaning or consequence. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that would signify" is a versatile phrase used to express the potential meaning or implication of a hypothetical situation. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news, science, and formal business contexts. While it can be used in various settings, it's important to ensure the implied connection is clear and logical. Consider alternatives like "that would indicate" or "that would imply" to fine-tune your message. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "that would signify" to add depth and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that would indicate

Replaces 'signify' with 'indicate', focusing on pointing out or showing something without necessarily implying deeper meaning.

that would imply

Uses 'imply' instead of 'signify', suggesting a more subtle or indirect meaning.

that would suggest

Substitutes 'signify' with 'suggest', implying a possible conclusion or inference.

that would mean

Replaces 'signify' with 'mean', focusing on the direct consequence or result.

that would represent

Uses 'represent' to show that something stands for or symbolizes something else, differing from directly 'signifying'.

that would denote

Employs 'denote' for a more formal and precise indication or definition.

that would point to

Replaces 'signify' with 'point to', suggesting direction or indication towards a specific conclusion.

that would be evidence of

Uses 'be evidence of', focusing on providing proof or support for something.

that would serve as a sign of

Expresses that something acts as a signal or indication of something else.

that would be symptomatic of

Indicates that something is a symptom or characteristic of a particular condition or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "that would signify" in a sentence?

The phrase "that would signify" is used to express what something would mean or indicate. For example, "A decline in sales "that would signify" a need for new marketing strategies".

What can I say instead of "that would signify"?

Alternatives to "that would signify" include "that would indicate", "that would imply", or "that would mean", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "that would signify" in formal or informal writing?

"That would signify" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. While not overly colloquial, it conveys a level of analysis and inference that aligns well with professional and academic writing.

What is the difference between "that would signify" and "that would suggest"?

"That would signify" implies a stronger connection or clearer indication, whereas "that would suggest" implies a possibility or a hint, but without the same level of certainty. "Signify" is more definitive than "suggest".