student asking question

Can I say "sign" instead of "signal" in this context?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

No, "sign" wouldn't work in this context. Here "signal" refers to an electronic or radio transmission! Similar to a TV signal, sent via radio waves. "Sign" refers to something that gives information without action. Ex: There's the sign for the pizza place! We're almost there. Ex: The green light is a sign that you must go. Ex: My TV signal was interrupted. So, I can't watch anything now. Ex: I can't get any phone signal to call someone. Ex: The app on my phone sent a signal to turn on the heater in my house.

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