a definite indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a definite indication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express a clear or unmistakable sign or signal regarding something. Example: "The sudden drop in temperature is a definite indication that winter is approaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

A minor victory perhaps, but a definite indication of a change in attitudes.

The Guardian - Opinion

This issue remains controversial, and NIV has a definite indication only in hypercapnic patients [22, 32].

Annals of Intensive Care

It is important to focus on a specific population with a definite indication.

Health Economics Review

In total, 24% of those with CHADS2=0 and 81% of those with a CHADS2=1 were reclassified as having a definite indication for OAC (CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2).

Duke University

If I raise my Apple Watch and speak, that's a definite indication that the Watch is the one I want to answer, but in almost every other case, even if my iPhone flicks into life for a second, it knows that it's the speaker's response I'm after.

Forbes

"Although the overall drop in the PPI is good news, its relevance is mitigated by the fact that producer prices no longer correlate directly with consumer prices," said Arthur Hogan of Jefferies & Co. "Since the consumer doesn't necessarily bare the pain of increased costs, the figure isn't a definite indication of inflation".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

DNA standards were not used to compare RLB and qPCR data and using standard dilutions of Mhf and CMhm DNA would provide a more definite indication on the empirical level of detection of these haemoplasmas using the RLB.

BMC Veterinary Research

If you find certain drug taking apparatus in the person's headquarters, it it a pretty definite indication that the person is taking meth.

WikiHow

A visual comparison of the experimental density profile and the two simulation profiles provides no definite indication of whether a low value of q or high value of q best matches the experimental measurement.

BMC Systems Biology

"And so self-medicating with aspirin in the absence of a definite medical indication isn't advisable". The findings do not apply to people taking aspirin because of a heart attack or stroke - they should continue to follow their doctor's advice.

BBC

It also important to remember that if ileoscopy is not routinely practiced, performing an ileoscopy may become difficult even when there is a definite clinical indication for doing so, such as, when Crohn's disease or ileal tuberculosis is suspected.

BMC Gastroenterology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a definite indication", ensure the context clearly supports the claim that the sign or signal is indeed unambiguous and reliable. Avoid using it for speculative or uncertain situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a definite indication" when the evidence is circumstantial or open to interpretation. Overstating the certainty of a sign can weaken your argument or mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definite indication" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific sign or signal that is clear and unmistakable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correctly used to highlight something that serves as strong evidence or proof.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a definite indication" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to denote a clear and unmistakable sign or signal. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage across various contexts, including scientific, news media, and academic writing. While highly versatile, it's crucial to ensure the sign is genuinely unambiguous to avoid overstating certainty. The phrase has several alternatives, such as "a clear sign" or "a strong signal", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear sign

This alternative emphasizes the clarity of the sign, suggesting a direct and easily understood signal.

a strong signal

This alternative highlights the intensity of the signal, indicating a powerful and noticeable sign.

a telling sign

This option conveys that the sign reveals or suggests something important or insightful.

a sure sign

This alternative emphasizes the certainty of the sign, indicating a reliable and trustworthy signal.

a distinct sign

This option stresses the uniqueness and recognizability of the sign.

an unambiguous sign

This emphasizes the lack of ambiguity, ensuring the sign is clear and straightforward.

a palpable indication

Palpable suggests that the indication is easily perceived or obvious.

a conspicuous indication

Conspicuous suggests that the indication is highly noticeable or prominent.

a marked indication

Marked suggests that the indication is significant or noteworthy.

a solid indicator

Solid indicator means that the clue is dependable and reliable

FAQs

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

Use "a definite indication" to point out a clear and unmistakable sign of something. For example: "His rapid heartbeat was a definite indication of his anxiety."

What phrases can I use instead of "a definite indication"?

You can use alternatives like "a clear sign", "a strong signal", or "a telling sign" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a definite indication" or "a clear indication"?

Both "a definite indication" and "a clear indication" are valid, but "a definite indication" emphasizes the certainty and reliability of the sign, while "a clear indication" focuses on its ease of understanding.

When is it inappropriate to use "a definite indication"?

Avoid using "a definite indication" when the evidence is weak, speculative, or open to multiple interpretations. In such cases, a more cautious phrase like "a possible indication" might be more appropriate.