What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cue
Example
The director gave the cue for the actors to start the scene. [cue: noun]
Example
She used a specific song as a cue to start her workout routine. [cue: verb]
signal
Example
The traffic light turned green, signaling the cars to proceed. [signal: verb]
Example
He gave a thumbs up as a signal of approval. [signal: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Signal is more commonly used than cue in everyday language. Signal is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cue is less common and refers to a specific prompt or indication.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cue and signal?
Both cue and signal can be used in formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation and tone of the communication.
