Indicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "Indicate" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want someone to show, point out, or specify something. For example, "Please indicate your preferred choice on the form." Alternative expressions include "show," "point out," and "specify."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At a news conference last week, Christie said he would continue interviewing his senior staff to determine if there is any other information he needs to know and if he needs to take any further action, but he did not indicate his review would go further than that.

The Guardian

Critics of the system suggest that will simply make the playing field even less level, though the table seems to indicate things are not quite that straightforward.

The Guardian - Sport

The cross is perhaps best known for its Christian symbolism, but it's also a mathematical sign, a Chinese character to indicate the number 10 - and the same in Roman numerals, except that cross is a diagonal X.

The Guardian - Music

Clinton, who retired earlier this year as secretary of state, has not yet said whether she intends to run in 2016 but all the signs indicate that she will, barring an unforeseen event such as a health scare.

The Guardian

These numbers indicate that negative perceptions of risk are having a magnifying effect on the economic fallout from the outbreak.

The Guardian

Or is the only way you get media attention by ripping apart somebody else?" Related: Get to know Bernie Sanders, your latest (socialist!) candidate for president Sanders did say Clinton should indicate her position on the proposed Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal which is dividing Democrats and forcing Obama to depend on Republican support in Congress.

The Guardian

A federal investigation into Brown's death at the hands of white police officer Darren Wilson is ongoing but news reports indicate the case will result in no prosecution.

The Guardian

It is not yet clear how many tourists were on the tower when it collapsed, though reports indicate that several bodies were later extracted from the ruins.

The Guardian

Related: New Scotland polls indicate huge swing from Labour to SNP Make no mistake, Labour's crisis in Scotland is profound.

The Guardian

This has, in recent days, been dismissed by Kenny's minister of finance, Michael Noonan, although another minister in the government did speak out of turn last week and indicate that a bail was possibly on the cards.

The Guardian

The GLA says that the Occupy demonstrations were unauthorised because protesters did not try to contact City Hall, although legal papers indicate that Scotland Yard knew of the protests in advance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indicate" when you want to point something out clearly but not necessarily with absolute proof. It is suitable for situations where you are presenting evidence or signs that suggest a particular conclusion.

Common error

While "indicate" is suitable for formal contexts, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "demonstrate", "suggest", or "specify" to enhance readability and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "indicate" is as a transitive verb. It's used to point out, show, or suggest something, often based on evidence or signs. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "indicate" serves to highlight information or directions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Indicate" is a versatile verb used to point out, show, or suggest something, and Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is particularly common in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific writing. While it's a useful term, it's important to vary your vocabulary to avoid repetition. Consider alternatives like "show", "suggest", or "demonstrate" to enhance clarity and engagement. Remember to use "indicate that" rather than "indicate of". By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "indicate" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

point out

This is a more direct way of drawing attention to something specific, often implying a correction or clarification.

show

This is a more general term for making something visible or known, often implying a less direct method of communication than "indicate".

specify

This means to state something precisely or in detail, often used in technical or formal contexts.

suggest

This implies a less direct or forceful indication, often hinting at a possibility or inference rather than a certainty.

signal

Implies a deliberate and clear way to transmit information or warnings.

demonstrate

This is more about proving something through evidence or example, implying a stronger confirmation than simply indicating.

imply

To suggest something indirectly, leaving room for interpretation.

designate

This implies a formal act of specifying or assigning a particular role, purpose, or name.

manifest

To show or display something by one's acts or appearance.

betoken

This is a more literary or archaic term for indicating something, often implying a symbolic or foreshadowing meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "indicate" in a sentence?

You can use "indicate" to show or point out something, as in "The results "indicate" a need for further research" or "Please "indicate" your choice on the form".

What can I say instead of "indicate"?

You can use alternatives like "show", "suggest", "demonstrate", or "point out", depending on the context.

Which is correct: "indicate that" or "indicate of"?

"Indicate that" is the correct usage. "Indicate" is typically followed by a "that" clause or a direct object. "Indicate of" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "indicate" and "imply"?

"Indicate" means to point something out directly, while "imply" means to suggest something indirectly. "The data "indicate" a trend" means the data shows it, while "His silence "implied" consent" means his silence suggested consent.