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Prepositions with sign

Using prepositions with sign

Sign combines with several prepositions depending on meaning. “Sign of” is very common for evidence or symptoms, while “for sign” is only natural in specific contexts such as instructions or labels.

Quick answer

Which preposition is correct with sign?

Use “sign of” for evidence, indication, or symptoms. “For sign” is uncommon but possible when sign means a label or symbol intended for something. Do not use “for sign” instead of “sign of.”

Dark clouds were a sign of rain.
The door has a sign for visitors.
A fever can be a sign of infection.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
sign of + condition/event

Showing evidence or indication

Use “sign of” when something indicates a condition, feeling, or event.

There was no sign of damage.
Her smile was a sign of relief.
2
sign for + place/person/thing

Naming or identifying something

Use “sign for” when a sign is intended to identify or direct people to something.

We looked for the sign for the museum.
The airport installed a new sign for taxis.
3
sign with + description

Describing a sign by its features

Use “with” to add details about the sign itself, not as a fixed combination.

They noticed a sign with red letters.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
sign of
Yawning is sometimes a sign of boredom.
evidence or indication
sign for
Follow the sign for platform 4.
a label or direction connected to something
of sign
The phrase “of sign” is not a standard fixed expression.
usually unnatural unless part of a longer structure
for sign
The shop printed a sign for the sale.
possible when the sign is intended for a purpose or place

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using for instead of of for evidence

Use “sign of” for symptoms, evidence, or indications.

✕ This is a sign for trouble. ✓ This is a sign of trouble.

Treating of sign as a fixed phrase

“Of sign” is not normally used alone as a standard combination.

✓ The symbol is a sign of danger.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. A cough can be a ___ illness.
2. Follow the ___ the station.
3. There was no ___ life in the building.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “sign of” the most common combination?

Yes. It is the standard way to express evidence, symptoms, or indications.

Can I say “sign for”?

Yes, when referring to a label, direction, or notice intended for something.

Is “of sign” correct English?

Not usually as a fixed phrase. Native speakers normally use “sign of” instead.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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