Meaning & use
sign of hope
Last updated
Meanings
phrasecountable
Something that suggests a situation is improving or that there is reason to be optimistic.
Grammar: It is a countable phrase: 'a sign of hope', 'signs of hope'.
Patterns
- a sign of hope
- signs of hope
- a sign of hope for someone/something
The peaceful election was a sign of hope for the country.
After the earthquake, the arrival of aid was a sign of hope.
Small signs of hope are appearing in the economy.
phrasecountable
An indication that something desired is possible or likely to happen.
Grammar: Often used with 'for': 'a sign of hope for peace'.
Patterns
- a sign of hope for something
- a sign of hope that ...
The agreement is a sign of hope for future cooperation.
There are signs of hope that the disease can be controlled.
Word forms
| plural | signs of hope |
|---|
Common combinations
- a sign of hope for
- The new treatment is a sign of hope for patients.
- see a sign of hope
- We can see signs of hope in the latest reports.
- a real sign of hope
- The ceasefire is a real sign of hope.
Synonyms and how they differ
- ray of hope
- Similar but more poetic and often used in literary contexts; 'sign of hope' is more neutral and factual.
- encouraging sign
- Focuses on the effect of giving confidence; 'sign of hope' emphasizes optimism about the future.
Opposites
Practice
Which sentence uses 'sign of hope' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'A sign of hope' means something that suggests a positive future. A doctor's smile can be a sign of hope for a worried family. Dark clouds are not hopeful; giving a sign to a waiter is a different meaning of 'sign' (a gesture or notice); and a sign on a wall is a literal sign, not this phrase.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “sign of hope”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.