Signal vs. sign

[Ling]

Test No. incompl/advan-39 "State Secrets", question 6

The person in charge of the enquiry will occasionally ......... what can be disclosed in newspapers.

(a) signal
(b) signify
(c) sign
(d) seal

Test No. incompl/advan-39 "State Secrets", answer 6

The person in charge of the enquiry will occasionally signal what can be disclosed in newspapers.

Correct answer: (a) signal

Your answer was: incorrect
The person in charge of the enquiry will occasionally sign what can be disclosed in newspapers.
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Hi Alan:
Why is Signal not Sign?

Please help, Thanks a lot

[Alan]

Hi Ling,

Sign usually means to write your name (write your signature) at the end of a letter or document. Signal means give an indication or simply show. Perhaps you know the expression give a sign, which means the same as signal.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Word Story: Health

[ling]

Thanks so much for your help, I understand now.