Cool MateMessage vs That was the signal
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Message
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
That was the signal
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Message
| Message | That was the signal | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈmesɪdʒ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈmesɪdʒ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðæt wəz ðə ˈsɪɡnəl//🇺🇸 //ðæt wəz ðə ˈsɪɡnəl// |
| Meaning | A piece of information sent or received. | A signal is a sign to do something. |
| Example | I received a message from my friend this morning. | When the bell rang, that was the signal for everyone to start the exam. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | important, urgent, vital, convey, give somebody, pass somebody, come, say something, state something, message about, message for, message from, important, urgent, vital, convey, give somebody, pass somebody, come, say something, state something, message about, message for, message from, central, core, important, broadcast, disseminate, spread, emerge, reach somebody, resonate with somebody, message about, message of, message to | give a signal, receive a signal, clear signal, signal to start, signal for help |
| Antonyms | silence, quiet | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'massage' — they sound similar but have different meanings., Using 'message' as a verb incorrectly; it is primarily a noun., Saying 'sent a message' instead of 'sent a text' in casual contexts. | Confused with 'sign'. 'Signal' is more specific., Using it in unrelated contexts, like referring to mere events., Overusing in casual conversations, it fits better in descriptive contexts. |
| Usage notes | Used in both spoken and written communication. Can refer to text, email, or spoken communication. Avoid using in very formal contexts where more specific terms may be required. | Used in contexts where a cue is given. It is appropriate in both informal and formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Message vs That was the signal
What's the difference between Message and That was the signal?
Message: A piece of information sent or received. That was the signal: A signal is a sign to do something.
Which is more common: Message and That was the signal?
Message is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Message: I received a message from my friend this morning. That was the signal: When the bell rang, that was the signal for everyone to start the exam.
Can I use Message and That was the signal interchangeably?
Not always. Message and That was the signal 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.