a formal indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formal indication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific sign, signal, or statement that conveys information in a formal manner. Example: "The report included a formal indication of the changes in policy that would take effect next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Each expert answered each question with the help of a graduated scale from 0 to 9 (0 meaning a "total disagreement" or "a formal contraindication" and 9 indicating a "total agreement" or "a formal indication").

BMC Psychiatry

We excluded the Manchester Triage's "white" group visits, since they are more difficult to classify according to their price-elasticity, ie., they may vary between a "more price-sensitive" and "less price-sensitive" visits (these are patients who had a formal indication from their discharge doctor to return to the ED in the following days for a reevaluation).

Health Economics Review

All patients age ≥18 years with an outpatient laboratory draw, who have a signed consent to treatment form, and that have not made a formal indication to opt-out are potential inclusions in BioVU.

Bioinformatics

In patients with stage T1-T2N0 tumours, a single, isolated operable brain metastasis is a formal indication for surgery if the patient has no contra-indication for chest surgery (standard, level of evidence: B2).

British Journal of Cancer

Include a formal indication to inform them of the ending of the toast and what to say next.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Both are based on the signing of an individualized plan for employment (IPE), which is a documented service plan developed by VR agency staff in collaboration with an eligible applicant-a formal indication that the applicant has received, at a minimum, initial assessment services.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

This book addresses selected central questions in phenomenological psychology, a discipline that investigates the experience of self that emerges over the course of an individual's life, while also outlining a new method, the formal indication, as a means of accessing personal experience while remaining faithful to its uniqueness.

Springer

For women with no other associated risk factors, there is no formal indication for an MRI screening [3].

Insights into Imaging

The death is believed to be a suicide, though no note or other formal indication has been uncovered by police, said Associate Dean for Student Affairs Robert M. Randolph.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Some expensive drugs, such as modern antifungal treatment, immunoglobulin, and modern chemotherapy, are paid independently from DRG if several criteria are fulfilled: drug belonging to a restricted list (<100, updated every year), formal indication approval by health authority, individual prescription, and central preparation by pharmacist.

Annals of Intensive Care

Although data did not contain information on over-the-counter medication, it only constitutes a minor part of the total drug consumption in Denmark, 7 and since we were interested in drugs as an indicator of health status, it could be argued that the most valid approach is to focus on drugs that require a formal medical indication (ie, prescription).

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a formal indication", ensure the context aligns with the level of formality implied. Reserve it for official, documented, or otherwise serious contexts to maintain appropriate tone and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a formal indication" in casual or informal settings. Opt for simpler terms like "sign", "hint", or "suggestion" when formality is not required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal indication" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it highlights a specific sign, signal, or statement that conveys information in an official or structured manner.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formal indication" is a noun phrase used to describe an official sign, signal, or statement. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and best suited for formal contexts such as scientific research, news reporting, and official documentation. While not as common as simpler alternatives, its use underscores the importance of clarity and precision. When a more casual tone is appropriate, consider using alternatives like "official sign" or "clear signal". The term’s formal nature makes it less suitable for informal conversations or casual writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an official sign

Replaces "indication" with a more direct term, emphasizing the official nature.

a formal signal

Substitutes "indication" with "signal", focusing on the communicative aspect.

a formal announcement

Emphasizes the act of making something known officially.

an official notice

Highlights the notification aspect in a formal setting.

a documented service plan

Focuses on the documented aspect, as opposed to the indication itself.

a formal declaration

Replaces "indication" with a stronger term, implying a formal statement.

a clear sign

Uses "clear" instead of "formal" to emphasize unambiguity.

an explicit directive

Focuses on the direct and instructional nature of the indication.

a formal notification

Highlights the act of formally informing someone.

a formal expression

Emphasizes the outward manifestation of an intention or opinion in a formal way.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formal indication" to describe an official sign or signal. For example, "The contract provided "a formal indication" of the project's completion date".

What's the difference between "a formal indication" and "an informal suggestion"?

"A formal indication" implies an official, documented, or serious sign, while "an informal suggestion" is a casual hint or idea. The former is used in formal contexts, while the latter is appropriate for casual settings.

What can I say instead of "a formal indication"?

You can use alternatives like "an official sign", "a formal signal", or "a formal announcement" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a formal indication"?

It's appropriate to use "a formal indication" when referring to an official, documented, or serious sign or signal, such as in legal documents, medical reports, or official communications.