the first sign

USAGE SUMMARY

"the first sign" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the initial indication or evidence of something. For example: - "The first sign of spring was the blooming of the cherry blossoms." - "The first sign that something was wrong was when the lights flickered." - "The first sign of success was when our company's stock price began to rise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first sign of a Clegg bounce?

The Economist

"That was the first sign of fragility".

The New Yorker

It's the first sign of good weather".

The New Yorker

Like the first sign of spring.

The New York Times

The first sign of rebellion will be crushed without mercy.

The New Yorker

It is the first sign of the dark cloud.

The New Yorker

The tape was the first sign he was still alive.

The New York Times

A hut is the first sign of civilisation we see.

Independent

The first sign of puberty in girls is estrogen.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is the first sign of motor-neuron disease.

The New Yorker

Is that the first sign of indigestion at Just Eat?

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with 'of' to clarify the subject, such as "the first sign of trouble" or "the first sign of spring".

Common error

Writers sometimes rely on "the first sign" as a catch-all term. In technical or forensic contexts, ensure you aren't substituting it for more precise terms like 'detectable limit' or 'initial data point' which may better reflect objective measurement.

Linguistic Context

In a sentence, "the first sign" typically functions as a noun phrase. It often acts as the subject (e.g., "The first sign was silence") or the direct object of a verb. According to Ludwig AI, it is a stable and universally accepted construction in English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Academic

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "the first sign" is a highly effective and grammatically correct phrase used to denote the earliest indication of a phenomenon. Ludwig AI indicates that it is "Very common" across prestigious sources including The New York Times and various scientific journals. Whether you are writing about the "the first sign of spring" or the "the first sign of a disease", this phrase provides clarity and chronological structure to your narrative. While it is versatile enough for almost any register, writers should consider more specific alternatives like "the first symptom" or "the initial indication" when aiming for extreme precision in technical or medical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the initial indication

provides a more formal and analytical tone suitable for reports or academic papers

the first signal

often implies a more active or technological communication rather than a passive observation

the first symptom

is specific to medical contexts and health-related observations

the earliest hint

suggests a more subtle or less obvious beginning compared to a clear sign

the first evidence

implies a stronger level of proof or scientific verification

the first manifestation

is a formal alternative used to describe the outward appearance of an abstract concept

the first trace

refers to a very small or barely detectable amount of something appearing

the first warning sign

adds a connotation of danger or a need for caution

the first giveaway

is more informal and suggests that something was unintentionally revealed

the first omen

carries a literary or prophetic weight, often suggesting a future event

FAQs

How do I use "the first sign" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an initial observation, for example: "The budding flowers were "the first sign" that winter was ending."

What is the difference between "the first sign" and "the first symptom"?

While "the first sign" can be used for anything observable, "the first symptom" is strictly reserved for medical conditions and health changes felt by a patient.

Can I say "the initial sign" instead?

Yes, "the initial sign" is a perfectly valid and slightly more formal alternative to "the first sign".

What can I say instead of "the first sign" in a more subtle context?

If the indication is very faint, you might prefer "the earliest hint" or "the first trace".