Cool MateIndicator vs Sign
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Indicator
Top 1,000 (very common)C1noun
Sign
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
| Indicator | Sign | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɪndɪkeɪtə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɪndɪkeɪtər/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/saɪn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/saɪn/"]/ |
| Meaning | Something that shows or points out a condition or situation. | A symbol or action that shows something or gives information. |
| Example | The economic indicators are better than expected. | 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 | C1 | A2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | accurate, good, reliable, be, serve as, provide (somebody with), point to something, show something, suggest something, indicator for | 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 | misleading sign, confusion | ignore, disregard |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'indicator' with 'indicator light' which is a more specific term., Using 'indicate' as a noun instead of 'indicator'., Mistaking it for a verb and using it incorrectly in sentences. | 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 formal and informal contexts to refer to signs or signals of something. Avoid using in overly casual speech. | Used in various contexts like directing people, indicating information, or marking something. More formal in legal contexts, and informal in everyday signage. |
Frequently asked questions: Indicator vs Sign
What's the difference between Indicator and Sign?
Indicator: Something that shows or points out a condition or situation. Sign: A symbol or action that shows something or gives information.
Are Indicator and Sign the same CEFR level?
Indicator: C1, Sign: A2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Indicator and Sign interchangeably?
Not always. Indicator 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.