a few indications

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few indications" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to several signs, hints, or pieces of information that suggest something or guide a decision. Example: "The report provided a few indications of the project's potential success, which encouraged the team to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

But there are a few indications that this isn't your usual button-down workplace.

The New York Times

There are a few indications that such might indeed be the case.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Recent weeks have shown a few indications of relief in fuel prices, as oil prices declined steeply.

The New York Times

Mr. Dickson made it through with only a few indications of distress, most of them in the final scenes.

The New York Times - Arts

There were, however, a few indications over the last year that Mr. Fleming was being marginalized by Mr. Gorman in favor of Mr. Kelleher.

The New York Times

Photo editors said that such patterns, which result from using Photoshop's cloning tool, are one of a few indications of deliberate digital manipulation.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"But the more important focus should be on recruiting, supporting and retaining great teachers for all our kids". Treu, who decided the case without a jury, gave few indications during the trial about how he would rule, asking tough questions of both sides.

Los Angeles Times

But it said the property market was clearly in the grip of "a substantial downturn, with few indications that we have reached the bottom yet".

The Guardian - Money

Before today, the Fed has said it has a 6.5 percent threshold for raising interest rates, but there had been few indications of a different threshold for the bond purchasing program.

The New York Times

From Netanyahu's few indications, such a state would not include the major Israeli settlement blocs, or have control over the strategic Jordan Valley (some 25 percent of the West Bank).

The New York Times

There are also few indications of a settled forest policy on which future extrapolations can be based.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few indications", ensure the context clarifies what these indications point towards, enhancing clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid overstating the importance of "a few indications". Ensure the evidence is genuinely suggestive and not just coincidental, to prevent misleading interpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few indications" functions as a quantifier followed by a noun, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It suggests that there's a limited amount of evidence or signs pointing to something. This is supported by Ludwig examples where the phrase introduces observations or findings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few indications" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-toned expression used to signal the presence of limited evidence or clues. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Scientific domains. While not overwhelmingly common, the phrase effectively conveys that some evidence exists, warranting attention without overstating its strength. When employing "a few indications" in writing, ensure clarity by specifying what these clues point towards, and avoid exaggerating their importance to maintain accuracy and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some hints

Replaces "indications" with a more casual term for clues.

several clues

Emphasizes the presence of multiple pieces of evidence.

slight signs

Highlights that the evidence is subtle or minimal.

minor signals

Uses "signals" to suggest subtle cues or communication.

limited evidence

Focuses on the scarcity of proof or substantiation.

a handful of instances

Replaces "indications" with "instances", suggesting specific occurrences.

a couple of suggestions

Offers "suggestions" as a milder alternative to indications.

sparse evidence

Underscores the thinness or rarity of the evidence.

preliminary signs

Highlights that the signs are early and potentially not definitive.

initial clues

Focuses on the introductory nature of the clues.

FAQs

How can I use "a few indications" in a sentence?

You can use "a few indications" to suggest that there are some signs or clues, but not many. For instance, "There were a few indications that the project might be successful".

What's a good alternative to "a few indications"?

Alternatives include "some hints", "several clues", or "slight signs", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a few indications" in formal writing?

Yes, "a few indications" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a neutral phrase that clearly communicates the presence of some suggestive evidence.

How strong is the evidence when using "a few indications"?

Using "a few indications" suggests that the evidence is not overwhelming, but noticeable enough to warrant attention. It implies a limited but present set of clues.