the sign below

USAGE SUMMARY

'the sign below' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a sign that is in the same document or on the same page, for example: "Please read the sign below carefully before continuing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Just look for the sign below.

The New Yorker

It didn't hurt that the sign below read "Bar, Restaurant, Sandwiches".

The New York Times

The sign below him read "Not a puppet / You're a puppet," in English and Russian.

The New Yorker

The clock above is stuck at 12 and one second and the sign below it reads: "It's Time to Buy a Freak a Drink".

The New York Times

I read the sign below my window -- "Emergency exit... lift this bar... push window open" -- study the walkway (runway?) that stretches the length of the tunnel, the shiny, mysterious doors marked "Exit" (where do they go?).

The New York Times

A few residents carried the sign below in the streets after the announcement.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The signs below are by no means a complete list, but from my experience have been tell-tale signs of a toxic relationship and may be reason to move on.

Huffington Post

Your dog is unique and while the signs below are a good place to start, if your dog's body language does not match up with its actions according to the guide below, then accept that your dog may have a different "body language vocabulary".

WikiHow

While it can be difficult for an inexperienced person to pinpoint the signs of past abuse, seeing any of the signs below are cause for immediate concern and intervention, so contact a qualified professional (like a teacher, counselor, social worker, etc).

WikiHow

Just as McDonald's allows its franchisees to determine the wages for their workers, it also allows them to determine what to put on the signs below the golden arches.

The Guardian - Money

where the signs below the derivatives are from equations (1) and (2).

Health Economics Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For web content, consider using anchor links to direct users to the exact location of "the sign below", enhancing user experience and accessibility.

Common error

Avoid using "the sign below" when the referred sign is actually located above, beside, or elsewhere within the document. Incorrect placement creates confusion and undermines clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the sign below" functions as a referential noun phrase. It points to a specific visual element—a sign—located in a lower position relative to the current context. Ludwig confirms that it's a valid English phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sign below" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to direct attention to a sign located in a lower position. As Ludwig confirms, it is considered valid for use in written English. Its function is primarily referential, aiming to guide the reader. The phrase is versatile, fitting various contexts, though most often seen in news, wiki, and science-related sources. To use it effectively, ensure that the sign's location is unambiguous to avoid misdirection. Consider alternatives like "the symbol below" or "the illustration below" to add variety while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the symbol below

Replaces "sign" with "symbol", referring to a visual representation with a specific meaning.

the signal below

Substitutes "sign" with "signal", implying an indication or cue located underneath.

the demonstration below

Replaces "sign" with "demonstration", suggesting a display or exhibition positioned underneath.

the poster below

Substitutes "sign" with "poster", specifically referring to a printed advertisement or notice located underneath.

the illustration below

Replaces "sign" with "illustration", referring to a visual depiction positioned underneath.

the graphic below

Changes "sign" to "graphic", referring to a visual representation located in a lower position.

the inscription below

Replaces "sign" with "inscription", denoting written or engraved text in a lower position.

the caption below

Substitutes "sign" with "caption", referring to explanatory text accompanying an image positioned underneath.

the notice below

Replaces "sign" with "notice", specifying an announcement or warning in a lower position.

the legend below

Changes "sign" to "legend", denoting explanatory text accompanying a map or diagram located underneath.

FAQs

How do I properly reference something above the text using a similar phrase?

For items above the text, use phrases like "the sign above" or "as indicated above". These phrases clarify the relative position of the referenced item.

What's the difference between "the sign below" and "the following sign"?

"The sign below" indicates a sign immediately beneath the current point of reference, while "the following sign"/"the subsequent sign" refers to a sign that comes after, but not necessarily immediately below.

Can I use "the sign below" in formal writing?

Yes, "the sign below" is suitable for formal writing when used correctly to reference a sign in a lower position. However, ensure that the context and placement are clear and unambiguous.

What are some alternatives to "the sign below" that maintain a professional tone?

Alternatives that maintain a professional tone include "the sign presented below", "the sign displayed below", or "the sign illustrated below", depending on the context.