ultimate sign of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ultimate sign of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the highest or most definitive indication of something. Example: "The ultimate sign of success in this industry is achieving a high level of customer satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's the ultimate sign of wealth.

The Times

In the ultimate sign of tech prominence, she has almost 200,000 Twitter followers.

The New York Times

In perhaps the ultimate sign of cultural saturation, "Veep" allusions are no longer reserved for Washington.

The New York Times

I don't know whether that's the ultimate sign of disconnect or cynicism.

The New York Times

In the ultimate sign of urban renewal, new trams ply the roads.

The Economist

It was "The Ultimate Sign of Luxury," read an opinion piece in the New York Post.

Harvard University

The most optimistic Mets fans may call it an ultimate sign of confidence.

The New York Times

In New York that is the ultimate sign of a holiday's not making the grade.

The New York Times

As for the vocal nature of his players, Hollins said it was the ultimate sign of a healthy team.

The New York Times - Sports

I also couldn't shake the belief that paying for a shave was decadent -- or the ultimate sign of my laziness.

The New York Times - Travel

A government rescue would also require firing the current management — a bailout being the ultimate sign of managerial failure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes what the 'ultimate' criterion is, leaving no ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "ultimate sign of" in very casual or informal writing; it can sound overly dramatic or hyperbolic. Opt for simpler phrases like "clear sign" or "obvious indication" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ultimate sign of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun phrase, acting as a subjective assessment to highlight something as the most important or definitive indicator of a certain condition or characteristic. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

17%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ultimate sign of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to highlight the most important or definitive indicator of something. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, especially in news, academic, and science domains. While its frequency suggests widespread usage, overuse in informal contexts should be avoided to maintain clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "definitive proof of" or "sure sign of" can be used to add nuance. Based on the analysis, this phrase is a valuable tool for emphasizing significance in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definitive proof of

Emphasizes the conclusiveness of the evidence.

sure sign of

Indicates a high probability or strong likelihood.

clear indication of

Highlights the clarity and obviousness of the sign.

hallmark of

Suggests a distinctive or characteristic feature.

acid test of

Implies a rigorous and decisive evaluation.

the epitome of

Denotes the perfect example or embodiment.

quintessential example of

Similar to 'epitome', but may apply more broadly.

the ultimate expression of

Focuses on expressing an emotion or idea in its most complete form.

conclusive evidence of

Stresses the finality and irrefutability of the evidence.

unmistakable sign of

Highlights the obviousness of the indication

FAQs

How can I use "ultimate sign of" in a sentence?

Use "ultimate sign of" to describe the most significant indicator or evidence of something. For example, "For many, owning a home is the "ultimate sign of" success".

What are some alternatives to "ultimate sign of"?

You can use alternatives like "definitive proof of", "sure sign of", or "clear indication of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "ultimate sign of" in formal writing?

Yes, "ultimate sign of" is appropriate in formal writing. It can effectively emphasize the importance of a particular indicator or piece of evidence. However, ensure the tone remains objective and avoid exaggeration.

What is the difference between "ultimate sign of" and "a sign of"?

"Ultimate sign of" implies that something is the most important or definitive indicator, while "a sign of" simply indicates that something is a possible or partial indicator. The former is more emphatic.