Cool MateIndication vs Sign
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Indication
Top 1,000 (very common)B2noun
Sign
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
| Indication | Sign | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/saɪn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/saɪn/"]/ |
| Meaning | A sign or suggestion that something is true or might happen. | A symbol or action that shows something or gives information. |
| Example | The sudden drop in temperature is an indication that a storm is approaching. | Please follow the sign to reach the train station. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | A2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | firm, good, strong, be, serve as, have, point to something, show something, suggest something, amid indications of, amid indications that…, indication as to, (all) the indications are that…, early indications are that…, preliminary indications are that… | classic, clear, definite, bear, have, betray, appear, come, indicate something, at a/the sign, sign from, sign of, sign of life, a sign of the times, a sign of things to come, flashing, illuminated, neon, erect, hang, hang out, read something, announce something, proclaim something, sign for, sign to, rude, peace, thumbs-up, give (somebody), make, communicate through, language, system, sign for, make the sign of the cross, dollar, euro, pound, draw, use, mean something, sign for, birth, star, astrological, be born under, sign of, the signs of the Zodiac |
| Antonyms | confusion, ambiguity | ignore, disregard |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'indicate' as a verb., Using 'indication' without a clear object or context., Mixing up 'indication' with similar-sounding words like 'indecision'. | Confused with 'sine' in mathematical contexts., Using 'sign' as a verb incorrectly, e.g., 'I will sign that paper' without indicating what or who to sign., Misusing 'sign' for 'symbol' when differentiating context. |
| Usage notes | Used in both spoken and written contexts. It's more common in formal discussions, such as reports or presentations. Avoid using it in very casual conversations. | Used in various contexts like directing people, indicating information, or marking something. More formal in legal contexts, and informal in everyday signage. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Indication vs Sign
What's the difference between Indication and Sign?
Indication: A sign or suggestion that something is true or might happen. Sign: A symbol or action that shows something or gives information.
Which is more advanced: Indication and Sign?
Indication is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Indication and Sign the same CEFR level?
Indication: B2, Sign: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Indication and Sign?
Indication: noun, Sign: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Indication: The sudden drop in temperature is an indication that a storm is approaching. Sign: Please follow the sign to reach the train station.
Can I use Indication and Sign interchangeably?
Not always. Indication and Sign are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.