working as a signal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "working as a signal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that functions or serves the purpose of a signal in a particular context. Example: "The flashing light is working as a signal to indicate that the machine is in operation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Also, the operation of the OR gate connected with a solid-state transistor, working as a signal inverter, gives a NOR gate.

Electrochemistry Communications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

While working as a signals corporal in Malaya, he wrote plays for the schools department of the local radio station.

The Guardian

Top-level statements like this also work as a signal to local governments and companies across the country.

The New York Times

She said temperature is critical for whitefish populations as it works as a signal to tell them when to spawn and lay their eggs in the fall.

Yale University

So that's what led me to try to find out what could work as a signal.

Forbes

This might work as a signal that the firms request more information about the Smiley scheme and its implications.

Agricultural and Food Economics

The NBS region binds and hydrolyzes ATP and GTP and primarily works as a signal transduction switch following pathogen recognition.

BMC Genomics

The difference in the IFN-γ concentration can be reflected in the potential of cells to release inflammatory cytokines, or this mediator can work as a signal to regulate invading leukocytes during BM [ 40].

BMC Infectious Diseases

In fact, previous studies suggested that tyrosine phosphorylation of DG at the site Y892 may be an important mechanism for modulating the association of DG with its cellular binding partners dystrophin and utrophin and may also work as a signal for proteasome degradation of DG [ 57– 57].

BioMed Research International

On the other hand, it has become clear that cellular stress, which includes increased production of free radicals and oxidative stress, in fact works as a signal to induce important adaptions in muscle cells, including mitochondrial biogenesis and myofiber hypertrophy [ 13, 18].

BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation

The take away message is for education to work as a signaling device, for education to generate a separating equilibrium, some children have to be left behind.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the function of a mechanism or process, use "working as a signal" to highlight its role in conveying information or initiating an action. For example, "The increase in temperature is "working as a signal" for the plant to begin flowering".

Common error

Avoid using "working as a signal" in situations where simpler verbs like "indicates" or "shows" would suffice. For example, instead of saying "The red light is "working as a signal" that the system is overloaded", consider "The red light indicates that the system is overloaded".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working as a signal" functions primarily as a verbal phrase within a sentence. It describes the action or role that something performs, specifically that of conveying information or initiating a response. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "working as a signal" is a grammatically sound and functionally versatile expression used to describe something performing the role of conveying information or initiating an action. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a valid construction with examples found across scientific, news, and academic domains. While other options such as "functioning as an indicator" or "serving as a sign" may occasionally provide a more nuanced or formal tone, "working as a signal" serves effectively in many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functioning as an indicator

Replaces "working" with "functioning" and "signal" with "indicator", focusing on the role of conveying information.

serving as a sign

Substitutes "working" with "serving" and "signal" with "sign", emphasizing the action of indicating something.

acting as a cue

Replaces "working as a signal" with "acting as a cue", highlighting the role of prompting a response.

operating as a marker

Uses "operating" instead of "working" and "marker" in place of "signal", focusing on identification.

performing as a trigger

Substitutes "working as a signal" with "performing as a trigger", emphasizing initiation of a process.

functioning as a prompt

Replaces "working as a signal" with "functioning as a prompt", highlighting the role of urging an action.

serving as a warning

Substitutes "signal" with "warning", focusing on alerting to danger.

acting as a beacon

Uses "beacon" instead of "signal", suggesting guidance or direction.

operating as an indicator

Combines "operating" and "indicator" for a slightly more formal tone.

performing as a signpost

Uses "signpost" instead of "signal", emphasizing guidance and direction.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "working as a signal" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "functioning as an indicator" or "serving as a sign". These options often provide a more elevated and professional tone.

Is it always appropriate to use "working as a signal"?

While grammatically correct, "working as a signal" might be too verbose in certain contexts. Consider whether a simpler word like "indicates" or "serves as" could convey the same meaning more concisely.

What is the difference between "working as a signal" and "acting as a cue"?

"Working as a signal" generally refers to conveying information, whereas "acting as a cue" implies prompting a specific response or action. The best choice depends on the intended nuance.

Can "working as a signal" be used in technical writing?

Yes, "working as a signal" is appropriate for technical writing, especially when explaining how a system or process communicates information. However, ensure clarity and precision to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The sensor is "working as a signal" to trigger the alarm system".