a positive indicator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a positive indicator" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that suggests a favorable outcome or condition. Example: "The increase in sales this quarter is a positive indicator of our company's growth potential."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the other hand though, house ownership is a positive indicator of wealth, this study indicated that neonates borne from parents who lived in their own houses were more likely to die than those who lived in rented houses.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

It may be a positive indicator, as a decrease in myofibroblasts may indicate that the fibroblasts within the SIS-treated ACLs did not need to maintain the contractile phenotype as they experienced less strain within a larger cross-sectional area.

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics

Respondents believed a decubital ulcer (bedsore) was a positive indicator (83.5%) of abuse/neglect and 92.8% indicated that the elderly could suffer from injuries similar to "shaken-baby syndrome".

Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics

A worldwide multi-center study has indicated that robust MxA expression is a positive indicator for patients with breast carcinoma who might benefit from anthracycline-based chemotherapy [ 17].

Chinese Journal of Cancer

Is that a positive indicator?

The New York Times

The track record is not a positive indicator".

The New York Times

This is a positive indicator for Africa's job creation, poverty reduction and economic growth.

The Guardian

Any experience you have had in assisting the most disadvantaged members of society will be a positive indicator for recruiters.

The Guardian - Money

We believe if we have a Jewish ambassador and Jews in the Shura Council, this is a positive indicator for the country".

The New York Times

He strode into the Masters, the United States Open and the British Open having won his last start, always a positive indicator.

The New York Times - Sports

Investors often see a decision by a company to buy back its own shares as a positive indicator.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember to correlate "a positive indicator" with clear data and source. Be mindful of the context and consider all contributing variables, and make sure it is indeed a "positive indicator".

Common error

Avoid presenting "a positive indicator" as a definitive guarantee of success. It should be framed as a contributing factor, not the sole determinant of an outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a positive indicator" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an appositive. According to Ludwig AI, it describes something that points toward a favorable condition or outcome. The articles and nouns within the phrase collaborate to create a singular noun-based expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a positive indicator" is a noun phrase used to signal optimism and highlight encouraging signs pointing toward a favorable outcome. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and sees frequent use across varied contexts, notably in science, news, and business. It is crucial to ensure the context clearly defines what the indicator is pointing towards and to avoid overstating its importance. Alternatives include "a promising sign" or "a good omen", depending on the desired nuance. Overall, it's a versatile phrase for analytical and descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a promising sign

Replaces "indicator" with "sign", emphasizing the optimistic nature of the indication.

a hopeful signal

Substitutes "indicator" with "signal", pointing to an optimistic message or indication.

an encouraging development

Focuses on the aspect of progress and positivity, using "development" instead of "indicator".

a good omen

Uses a more figurative term, "omen", suggesting a fortunate prediction or forecast.

a step forward

Highlights progress and advancement, suggesting a positive movement towards a goal.

a favorable trend

Highlights the upward or beneficial direction of a situation, replacing "indicator" with "trend".

an upside

Focuses directly on the advantageous or beneficial aspect of a situation.

a bright spot

Uses a metaphorical phrase to describe something positive amidst a more challenging situation.

a cause for optimism

Emphasizes that the situation warrants a hopeful outlook, shifting from indication to justification.

a silver lining

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the positive aspect of an otherwise negative situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a positive indicator" in a sentence?

Use "a positive indicator" to highlight something that suggests a favorable outcome. For example: "Increased customer satisfaction scores are "a positive indicator" of improved service quality."

What are some alternatives to saying "a positive indicator"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a promising sign", "a good omen", or "an encouraging development".

Is it always appropriate to use "a positive indicator"?

While generally acceptable, ensure that what you're describing genuinely suggests a favorable trend. Avoid using it if the evidence is weak or contradictory.

What's the difference between "a positive indicator" and "a leading indicator"?

"A positive indicator" generally suggests a good sign or development. "A leading indicator", on the other hand, is a specific term, often used in economics, to describe a measurable factor that changes before the economy starts to follow a particular pattern or trend.