a clear indicator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear indicator" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that unmistakably signifies or points to a particular situation or outcome. Example: "The increase in sales is a clear indicator of the success of our new marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a clear indicator that social technologies are here to stay".

The New York Times

The latter would be a clear indicator that you are, in fact, a robot.

The New Yorker

"It's a clear indicator as to who public enemy No.1 is".

The New York Times

Toilet-flushing, after all, is not necessarily a clear indicator of untoward activity.

The New York Times

That's a clear indicator of how many more neighborhoods are involved in Oakland this year".

The New York Times

"But it is certainly a clear indicator that the country as a whole is experiencing this problem".

The New York Times

"If you ask whether someone started a club in high school, it is a clear indicator of leadership".

The New York Times

The current disaster in the Gulf of Mexico is a clear indicator of how these boundaries are being pushed.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a clear indicator that it makes good business sense to manage and reduce carbon emissions.

The Guardian

That is a clear indicator that the Warriors have to sharpen up before the Old Trafford run-in.

The Guardian - Sport

Looking for a clear indicator of the political hit that congressional Republicans took during the shutdown showdown in Washington?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clear indicator" to provide objective evidence or justification for a claim. For example, "The company's increased profits are a clear indicator of its successful market strategy."

Common error

Avoid using "a clear indicator" when expressing a personal opinion or subjective feeling, as it implies a level of objectivity that may not be present. Instead, use phrases like "suggests" or "implies" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear indicator" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies something as a sign or symptom that points to a specific conclusion or state. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear indicator" is a commonly used phrase that serves to highlight an evident sign or symptom of a particular situation or outcome. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct and it's commonly employed across various contexts, especially in news, science, and business. It is important to use this phrase when presenting objective and strong evidence, and to avoid it when expressing subjective opinions. Alternatives such as "a strong sign" or "a definite signal" can provide subtle variations in emphasis, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong sign

Emphasizes the strength or reliability of the sign.

a telling sign

Highlights that the sign reveals something important or significant.

a definite signal

Focuses on the certainty and clarity of the signal.

a key indication

Stresses that the indication is crucial or essential.

a revealing symptom

Suggests that the symptom uncovers an underlying issue.

an obvious clue

Highlights the ease with which the clue can be identified.

a conspicuous marker

Emphasizes the visibility and noteworthiness of the marker.

a demonstrable aspect

Emphasizes that the aspect is observable and can be verified.

a transparent demonstration

Focuses on the clarity and openness of the demonstration.

an unambiguous token

Highlights the lack of ambiguity or doubt regarding the token.

FAQs

How can I use "a clear indicator" in a sentence?

Use "a clear indicator" to point out something that evidently shows or suggests a particular fact. For instance, "The rise in temperature is "a clear indicator" of climate change".

What are some alternatives to "a clear indicator"?

You can use alternatives like "a strong sign", "a definite signal", or "a key indication" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a clear indicator" or "a clear indication"?

Both ""a clear indicator"" and "a clear indication" are correct. "Indicator" refers to the thing that indicates, while "indication" refers to the act of indicating. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the sign itself or the act of it pointing to something.

What does "a clear indicator" imply in a statement?

Using ""a clear indicator"" implies that the evidence presented is strong and directly supports the conclusion being drawn, leaving little room for doubt or alternative interpretations.