a mere indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mere indication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that something is only a small or insignificant sign of a larger issue or concept. Example: "The results of the survey provide a mere indication of the public's opinion on the matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It is a pretty big leap between a mere indication of desire to attend a camp and a crystallized desire to kill, maim and kidnap," said Peter S. Margulies, a law professor at Roger Williams University who has also written on conspiracy charges in terrorism prosecutions.

The New York Times

following Mahmoud (2000) classification of corrections, the following were adopted and modified to identify the clarity of CFs e.g. a: mere indication of the location of error by enclosing or underlining word/s is classified as unclear; assigning of score with no feedback is likewise regarded as not clear.

Language Testing in Asia

The way that many of the European member states are doing regarding the managing of this situation is something more than a mere indication of how Europe in nowadays perceives the meaning of its existence.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The mere indication of a weak response in the visible region provides some insight into evolution of defects.

Nanoscale Research Letters

mere indication of the location of error by enclosing or underlining word/s is classified as unclear; assigning of score with no feedback is likewise regarded as not clear.

Language Testing in Asia

A year earlier it showed a mere 1% rise.

Forbes

If the votes are any indication, the dispute is more complicated than a mere partisan fight.

The New York Times

The StarMine number was a mere penny lower than the Street's forecast, but it was an indication that the company might do worse than anticipated.

Forbes

"I know from experience that a mere $1900 outlay at a club with the reputation of Voyeur is a clear indication of a frugal investment with a keen eye toward maximum return," Daniels added.

Huffington Post

The speaker gave no indication that the reorganization of a shattered world would require anything more than a mere extension of American culture and habits, as exemplified by past and present Republicans... View Article By Anthony Lane By Rebecca Mead By John Cassidy By Jia Tolentino.

The New Yorker

The speaker gave no indication that the reorganization of a shattered world would require anything more than a mere extension of American culture and habits, as exemplified by past and present Republicans... View Article By Jia Tolentino By Rebecca Mead By Anthony Lane By George Packer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mere indication" when you want to downplay the significance of a sign or clue, suggesting it's just the beginning or not very substantial on its own.

Common error

Avoid using "a mere indication" when the sign or clue is actually quite important or definitive. Choose a stronger phrase if the indication carries significant weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mere indication" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It emphasizes the limited or insignificant nature of a sign or signal. As Ludwig AI states, it suggests a small sign of something larger.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mere indication" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the insignificance or preliminary nature of a sign or signal. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media and science. While relatively infrequent, it serves the specific purpose of preventing overinterpretation of limited evidence. When considering alternatives, options like "a slight hint" or "a subtle sign" can offer similar nuances. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring it accurately reflects the weight of the evidence being presented.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight hint

Emphasizes the subtlety and indirectness of the sign.

a subtle sign

Focuses on the understated nature of the indication.

a faint suggestion

Highlights the weak and tentative nature of the indication.

a passing reference

Indicates that the mention is brief and not central.

a small clue

Presents the indication as a piece of evidence in a larger puzzle.

a preliminary sign

Suggests that the indication is an early and potentially unreliable signal.

a limited suggestion

Highlights how suggestions are bounded in scope and implications.

a basic indication

Focuses on the rudimental quality of the provided clue.

a simple notation

Highlights how clear is the representation of the clue.

a glimpse

Emphasizes the fleeting and incomplete nature of the evidence.

FAQs

How can "a mere indication" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a mere indication" to suggest something is a small or insignificant sign of a larger issue, for example: "The initial data was "a mere indication" of the challenges to come."

What are some alternatives to "a mere indication"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a slight hint", "a subtle sign", or "a faint suggestion", depending on the desired nuance.

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

Use "a mere indication" when you want to emphasize that something is just a small or preliminary sign and should not be overinterpreted as a definitive conclusion. Otherwise, use "a definite proof".

Is "a mere indication" formal or informal?

"A mere indication" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider alternatives like "a preliminary sign" for more formal writing.