a little indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little indication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to refer to a small or minor sign or hint about something. Example: "All I need is a little indication of your interest in the project before we proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Not inserting me in games at points where they have in the past gives me a little indication of what might come," said Brogna, who had been platooning with Wes Helms until the acquisition of Caminiti.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Walking up a path past a welcome sign painted on old buoys, I surveyed the available diversionary assets: a modest house with three bedrooms, a dock, an iffy boat, a few beach chairs, a deck and very little indication that there were any other people on the planet.

The New York Times - Travel

However, what really kept me interested in the show was that it was the first sitcom in ages that actually showed people working a job that didn't feel like a far-fetched fantasy to me, someone who was working as a grocery-store cashier with little indication of a way out.

Vice

Sometimes this was done when there appeared to be strong evidence of risk in an occupation but little indication of what the responsible agent might be (e.g., rubber industry, painters).

Environmental Health Perspectives

A recent visit to Ryazan revealed little indication that a race was occurring at all.

The New York Times

Deliberations in the federal corruption trial of former Senator John Edwards stretched into a seventh day on Tuesday, with little indication that a decision was near.

The New York Times

There is little indication a visitor to the community had been infected with a disease that has killed more than 3,000 people in West Africa, in the worst Ebola outbreak on record.

Huffington Post

The core of the film compresses several decades of family history into a timeline that gives little indication of the year or even the decade.

The New York Times

It's quite equal opportunities, too, with Viking women going into battle as "shield maidens", a title that gives little indication of the skill and brutality they display in close combat.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The reverse is also true – knowing how people experience a conversation may give little indication of what was actually said.

British Journal of Cancer

Never quite looked a partnership in a first half that gave little indication of what was to follow, though Defoe and Rooney did combine early in the second half for the latter to test Nikolay Mihaylov with a chip that the goalkeeper only just managed to palm on to the roof of his net.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little indication" to subtly introduce a potential outcome or development without making a strong assertion. This phrase is useful for hedging your statements and conveying uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "a little indication" when the evidence is actually substantial. This phrase should only be used when the sign or hint is genuinely minor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little indication" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It signifies a minor sign or hint about something. Ludwig AI confirms this by providing examples where the phrase appears in similar contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a little indication" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that suggests a minor sign or hint. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's useful for conveying uncertainty or cautious optimism. While relatively uncommon, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media and scientific writing, showcasing its neutrality and suitability for formal communication. When using "a little indication", ensure that the evidence truly is minor to avoid overstating the significance of the information. For semantically similar alternatives, consider phrases like "a slight sign" or "a small hint" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight sign

Emphasizes the subtlety of the indication.

a small hint

Highlights the indirectness of the indication.

a faint suggestion

Focuses on the lack of strength or clarity in the indication.

a trace of evidence

Highlights the presence of minor evidence.

a glimmer of hope

Specifically refers to a small amount of optimism.

a subtle clue

Emphasizes the difficulty in noticing the indication.

a shade of difference

Highlights a minor distinction.

a touch of uncertainty

Focuses on the slight feeling of doubt.

a whiff of suspicion

Suggests a slight feeling of distrust.

a hint of progress

Specifically indicates a small advancement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a little indication" to express that there is a slight sign or suggestion of something. For example: "The data provides "a little indication" that the treatment might be effective."

What's a good alternative to "a little indication"?

Alternatives include "a slight sign", "a small hint", or "a faint suggestion". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a little indication" in formal writing?

Yes, "a little indication" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to express uncertainty or caution in your statements. It's common in news reports and academic papers.

What is the difference between "a little indication" and "strong evidence"?

"A little indication" suggests a weak or subtle sign, whereas "strong evidence" implies a substantial amount of proof. Use "a little indication" when the supporting information is minimal and suggestive, not conclusive.