Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a definite indication of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a definite indication of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that something clearly points to or signifies a particular fact or conclusion. Example: "The sudden increase in temperature is a definite indication of climate change."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
A minor victory perhaps, but a definite indication of a change in attitudes.
News & Media
"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".
News & Media
Therefore we believe it is an important finding of this study that it cannot be concluded by implication that personal values in life give a definite indication of a person's probable preferences for end-of-life care.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
The presence of ERα is considered to be a definite indication for the administration of TAM, which is a well-characterized agonist of GPER.
Science
A definite indication for a putative role of IxACs as anticomplement therapy must await tests in animal models of candidate diseases.
Science
Patients were excluded if data collection was impossible (for example because of a severe hearing or language impairment), if they had a short life expectancy, if they were awaiting nursing home admission, or in case of a definite indication for specific memory clinic follow-up (for example having been diagnosed with a rare dementia).
Patients were ineligible if they had a definite indication for, or contraindication to, either of the active study treatments or had a definite indication for long-term insulin therapy.
Science
Both the recent America College of Gastroenterology (ACG) publications [ 8] and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDCC) [ 7] clearly state that a new diagnosis and past history of duodenal ulcer disease is a definite indication for testing and, if positive, for treatment.
Science
Structural change is a definite indication for urate-lowering therapy.
Science
While these represent a useful formalization of available evidence, they have a strong tendency to suggest medications which have a definite indication for the suggested use.
Predicted difficult airway is a definite indication for awake intubation and spontaneous ventilation.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "a definite indication of", ensure the evidence you are presenting truly and clearly supports the conclusion you are drawing. Avoid overstating the strength of the indication.
Common error
Avoid using "a definite indication of" when the evidence is only suggestive or preliminary. Using phrases like "a possible indication of" or "a potential sign of" might be more appropriate when the evidence is not conclusive.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a definite indication of" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It highlights something that serves as a clear and reliable sign of a particular condition or state, as shown in the Ludwig examples.
Frequent in
Science
33%
News & Media
33%
Encyclopedias
0%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Formal & Business
33%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "a definite indication of" is a phrase used to denote a clear and reliable sign of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct. While relatively rare, its usage spans across diverse contexts from news to science. When using this phrase, ensure that the evidence supports a strong conclusion, and be mindful of overstating the certainty if the evidence is only suggestive. Alternatives such as "a clear sign of" or "a strong indicator of" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a clear sign of
Emphasizes the clarity and obviousness of the sign.
an unmistakable sign of
Highlights that the sign cannot be mistaken for anything else.
a strong indicator of
Highlights the strength and reliability of the indication.
a sure sign of
Indicates a sign that is certain and reliable.
a telltale sign of
Suggests a sign that reveals something, often something hidden.
a distinct marker of
Focuses on the distinct and recognizable nature of the marker.
conclusive evidence of
Implies that the indication provides undeniable proof.
unequivocal signal of
Highlights the lack of ambiguity in the signal.
irrefutable proof of
Suggests that the indication is impossible to deny or disprove.
a palpable demonstration of
Emphasizes that the indication is easily perceived or felt.
FAQs
How can I use "a definite indication of" in a sentence?
You can use "a definite indication of" to show that something clearly points to a particular fact or conclusion. For example, "The sudden increase in sales is "a definite indication of" growing customer demand."
What are some alternatives to "a definite indication of"?
You can use alternatives such as "a clear sign of", "a strong indicator of", or "conclusive evidence of" depending on the context.
Is it better to use "a definite indication of" or "a possible indication of"?
Use "a definite indication of" when the evidence strongly supports a conclusion. If the evidence is less certain, "a possible indication of" is more appropriate.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested