Positive indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Positive indication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a sign or signal that suggests a favorable outcome or condition. Example: "The increase in sales this quarter is a positive indication of our marketing strategy's effectiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the final blind test, MAPS-FR experts correctly indicated 100% of wire breaks with false positive indication over correct indications.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

"Volkswagen never gave any positive indication to the takeover code," Mr. Tobin said.

The New York Times

This shift is a positive indication that the protein is present and in what quantity.

Stanford University

"Or the strong broadcast upfront could be a positive indication for the entire media economy.

The New York Times

However Social Skill domain recorded drastic improvement score and this is a positive indication.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

While a positive indication, the second quarter G.D.P. showed just how much the economy contracted last winter.

The New York Times

The results gave a positive indication about CHAIN's technical qualities and provided insights that could inform future work.

Journal of Systems and Software

The most positive indication is the resolve of the group's election observer mission, the first to be very critical of an important O.A.S. member.

The New York Times

But Gandhi's philosophy makes me optimistic that this is a positive indication that we are closing in on the changes we are campaigning for.

The Guardian

"These figures, along with our continuing progress towards our access agreement targets for disadvantaged groups of students, are a positive indication that all our work is bearing fruit.

The Guardian

However, a recent commitment by the Somali government at the first ever national forum is a positive indication that things may finally be changing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "positive indication" when you want to highlight a sign or piece of evidence that suggests a favorable outcome or development. It's suitable for contexts where optimism and progress are emphasized.

Common error

Avoid using "positive indication" repetitively in a single text. Vary your language with synonyms like "encouraging sign" or "promising signal" to keep your writing engaging and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "positive indication" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It signifies something that points towards a favorable outcome or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "positive indication" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a sign or signal that suggests a favorable outcome or condition. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable in English. It's frequently found in science, news, and business contexts. Alternatives such as "encouraging sign" or "promising signal" can be used to avoid repetition. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and audience when choosing between "positive indication" and more informal expressions. The phrase’s frequent appearance in authoritative sources underlines its acceptance and utility in formal and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Encouraging sign

Replaces "indication" with "sign", emphasizing the suggestive nature of the information.

Favorable sign

Substitutes "positive" with "favorable", maintaining a similar connotation of optimism.

Promising sign

Replaces "positive" with "promising", highlighting the potential for a good outcome.

Optimistic signal

Uses "signal" instead of "indication", suggesting a clear message or cue of hope.

Hopeful sign

Emphasizes the element of hope by using "hopeful" instead of "positive".

Good omen

Replaces both words with terms implying a predictive and favorable event.

Auspicious sign

Implies that the event is not only favorable but also divinely sanctioned or blessed.

Bullish signal

Commonly used in financial contexts, indicating an expectation of rising prices or positive market performance.

Affirmative signal

Uses "affirmative" to emphasize confirmation and agreement, rather than optimism.

Confirming evidence

Shifts the focus from suggestion to solid proof, indicating a stronger degree of certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "positive indication" in a sentence?

You can use "positive indication" to describe something that suggests a favorable outcome. For example, "The increase in sales is a "positive indication" that our marketing strategy is working."

What are some alternatives to "positive indication"?

Some alternatives to "positive indication" include "encouraging sign", "promising signal", or "favorable omen", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "positive indication"?

While grammatically correct, "positive indication" might sound somewhat formal. In more casual contexts, alternatives like "good sign" or "things are looking up" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "positive indication" and "false positive"?

"Positive indication" suggests a genuine sign of progress or a favorable outcome, while "false positive" refers to a test result or signal that incorrectly indicates a condition or event is present when it is not. They have opposite meanings.