a hopeful indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hopeful indication" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a sign or signal that suggests a positive outcome or future possibility. Example: "The recent increase in community engagement is a hopeful indication of the project's potential success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

They then staged a midmorning rally, a hopeful indication for investors that most of the gains would hold.

The New York Times

Mr. Gordon's article is a hopeful indication that reformers outside public education are realizing that schools are a result of economic realities, not the cause of them.

The New York Times

The recently renamed Lincoln Motor Company would do well to create such a distinction across its lineup, and the 2013 MKZ is a hopeful indication that Lincolns of the future will be stylistically removed from their Ford relatives.

The New York Times

But something must have clicked in this series for the 38-year-old Suzuki, who showed a glimmer of the batting-title-winning years of his past, and perhaps a hopeful indication that the pennant race has rejuvenated more than just his competitive spirit.

The New York Times - Sports

In a reassuring sign on the economy, the number of Americans filing new claims for jobless benefits fell last week to near a four-year low, the government said, a hopeful indication for a labor market that has shown signs of weakness.

The New York Times

"This is a hopeful indication that it's only a matter of time before this cruel punishment is consigned to history, where it belongs". Have any countries reinstated the death penalty?

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Her courageous assertion on gay rights, at a time that it might have been politically costly to do so, is a clear and hopeful indication that Jamaica can do the right thing.

The Guardian

For Mr. Stern and others, the most hopeful indication is that the program will be based on the historian Ian Kershaw's book "Hitler, 1889-1936: Hubris," widely viewed as one of the best Hitler biographies.

The New York Times

I proposed this possibility as another hopeful indication that Boomer dominance over popular culture will not fade as some critics predict; rather, the generation would continue to influence paradigm shifts about aging and celebrity appeal with more contemporary revelations.

Huffington Post

He has been abandoned by democrats for resorting to force to stop the secession attempt by the republic of Chechnya--a deadly undertaking that has cost him much international support and undermined the first hopeful indications that Russia's wrecked economy could be on the mend.

Los Angeles Times

He sees them as hopeful indications of openness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hopeful indication" to introduce a specific piece of evidence or development that suggests a positive future outcome, rather than a general feeling of optimism.

Common error

Avoid using "a hopeful indication" when the evidence is weak or preliminary. Overstating the significance of a minor positive sign can damage credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hopeful indication" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies something as a source of hope or a positive signal. Ludwig confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a hopeful indication" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for pointing out signs that suggest a positive future. As Ludwig AI states, it correctly and effectively highlights evidence that supports optimism. Although not extremely common, it's suitable for news, scientific, and business contexts, offering a more formal tone than everyday conversation. Alternatives such as "a promising sign" and "an encouraging development" provide similar meanings with slightly different emphasis. When using "a hopeful indication", ensure that the evidence is substantial enough to warrant the positive outlook to avoid overstating the case.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a promising sign

Replaces "indication" with "sign", suggesting a slightly more direct and obvious positive signal.

an encouraging development

Focuses on the positive progression or advancement implied by the indication.

a positive signal

Uses "signal" instead of "indication", emphasizing the communicative aspect of the positive sign.

a reason for optimism

Shifts the focus to the feeling of hope rather than the sign itself.

a harbinger of good things

Suggests that the indication is a precursor to future positive outcomes.

a bright spot

Highlights the indication as a particularly positive element within a larger context.

grounds for hope

Indicates that there's a solid foundation for feeling hopeful.

a light at the end of the tunnel

Suggests the end of a negative situation is near.

a silver lining

Highlights a positive aspect within an otherwise negative situation.

an auspicious omen

Implies that the indication is a sign of future success or fortune.

FAQs

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

Use "a hopeful indication" to point out specific signs that suggest a positive outcome is likely. For example: "The decrease in unemployment claims is "a hopeful indication" for the economy".

What's a good substitute for "a hopeful indication"?

Alternatives include "a promising sign", "an encouraging development", or "a positive signal", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "hopeful indication" or "promising indication"?

"Hopeful indication" emphasizes the positive outlook associated with the sign, while "promising indication" focuses on the potential for future success. The better choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight. The use of "a promising sign" is more common.

What does "a hopeful indication" imply?

It implies that there's a specific reason to believe that a situation is improving or will have a positive resolution. It points to tangible evidence rather than a general feeling of optimism. It suggests the beginning of "a promising future".