a kind of indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a kind of indication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to describe something that serves as a signal or hint, but is not definitive. Example: "The sudden drop in temperature was a kind of indication that a storm was approaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

(that's a) kind of indication of the way things were run around here". The primary relationship in the film is between Robbins Andyy and and Freeman's Red.

Los Angeles Times

The motif itself represents a kind of indication for a preferred aptamer binding site; it is not a fully qualified predefinition of the optimal and exact binding aptamer.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Were you given any kind of indication about a future Tory government's attitude to it?

The Guardian

"She's never ever given me any kind of indication that she was in favor of that at all," her mother said.

Vice

But Mr. Khan's status as guest of honor among the urbane crowd was a kind of milestone, an indication that the gaudy style and excesses of Bombay's film industry are making inroads into the tastes of non-Indians in America.

The New York Times - Style

In 2001: A Space Odyssey, we get some kind of indication that there's life on another planet.

Yale University

Well, we do - and if anybody has any doubt about the power and reach of the Public Order Act, the arrest and prosecution of the man in Oxford for accusing a mounted policeman of riding a gay horse was I think some kind of indication.

The Guardian

If the poet sent the poem to the victor, then the text would function as a kind of score that contained indications of rhythm and musical modes, with perhaps some hints for appropriate dance steps.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I used to be pretty obsessed with the number of people I'd slept with as if being able to count my sex partners on one or two hands was some kind of indication of how good a person I was.

Vice

I'd always taken Spica's yearly disappearance as a kind of summer Groundhog Day - an indication that school was just around the corner.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"The most natural meaning of this kind of indication," Dr. Marciano said, "would be superymmetry".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a kind of indication", ensure the context makes clear what is being indicated and to what extent it's reliable. Avoid vagueness by specifying the subject of the indication.

Common error

Avoid using "a kind of indication" when a stronger, more definitive signal exists. This phrase suggests uncertainty; use stronger terms if the evidence warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a kind of indication" functions as a noun phrase. It serves to denote something that acts as a signal or a suggestion, but not necessarily a definitive one. As Ludwig confirms, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a kind of indication" is a phrase used to suggest a sign or hint without providing definitive proof. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct. It's most common in news, science and academia. While grammatically sound, ensure the context clearly identifies what's being indicated and avoid overstating the strength of the suggestion. Alternatives such as "a hint of" or "a sign of" can be used depending on the degree of certainty you wish to convey. When writing, avoid using it when a stronger term would be more accurate. Overall, it's a useful phrase for conveying tentative observations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a signal of sorts

Replaces "indication" with "signal", emphasizing a suggestive action or event.

a suggestion of

Substitutes "kind of indication" with "suggestion", highlighting a less direct implication.

a hint of

Replaces the whole phrase with "a hint of", indicating a subtle clue.

a sign of

Uses "sign" instead of "indication", implying a more recognizable clue.

a clue regarding

Replaces the whole expression with "a clue regarding", specifying a more direct lead.

some semblance of proof

Replaces "a kind of indication" with "some semblance of proof", focusing on evidence rather than suggestion.

an inkling of

Changes to "an inkling of", suggesting a vague understanding or feeling.

a telltale sign

Replaces the expression with "a telltale sign", implying a revealing indication.

a suggestive element

Replaces the whole expression with "a suggestive element", changing from indication to an element that suggest something.

a preliminary sign

Changes from indication to preliminary sign, emphasizing early insights.

FAQs

How can I use "a kind of indication" in a sentence?

Use "a kind of indication" to suggest a sign or hint that something is the case, but not definitively proven. For example: "The early frost was "a kind of indication" that winter would be harsh."

What phrases are similar to "a kind of indication"?

Similar phrases include "a hint of", "a sign of", or "a suggestion of", which all imply a non-definitive clue or suggestion.

Is it better to say "a kind of indication" or "an indication"?

Using "an indication" suggests a more definite sign, while "a kind of indication" implies a weaker, less certain signal. Choose the phrase that best reflects the strength of the evidence.

What is the difference between "a kind of indication" and "proof"?

"Proof" offers conclusive evidence, while "a kind of indication" merely suggests something might be true without providing certainty. Use "a kind of indication" when you have a clue, but not solid evidence.