a possible indication of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a possible indication of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that something may suggest or point to a particular conclusion or outcome. Example: "The increase in temperature is a possible indication of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We defined an eyeblink as a voltage change of 100 µV in a time interval of 500 ms. EBR per minute was significantly lower, t(22) = −3,42, p<.05, in recreational users, (M = 9.3; SD = 5.9), than in cocaine-free controls (M = 17.1; SD = 5.3)—a possible indication of hypoactive subcortical dopamine systems in cocaine users.

Plosone

Parts of the Lépine glowed a bluish white, a possible indication of new paper.

The New Yorker

That's worrying not only as a possible indication of creative bankrupcy, but also because such a project does seem remarkably pointless.

The Guardian - Film

The assessment of these images was provided by the Australian Geospatial Intelligence Organisation as a possible indication of debris southwest of Perth.

The Guardian

Few Iraqis have protested such attacks despite the proximity of the strikes to the holy sites, a possible indication of the unpopularity of Mr. Sadr and his militia.

The New York Times

The one question mark, analysts said, was lower than expected new contract signings in the company's big services business, a possible indication of weakness ahead.

The New York Times

To see Mr. West as a beta character is a new wrinkle in his public persona, a possible indication of rewiring still to come.

The New York Times - Arts

"I would never order you to do something you don't want," she recalled telling him, then reminding him of the tightness he had felt in his neck, a possible indication of risk for a heart attack.

The New York Times - Health

In a possible indication of the breadth of the investigation, the Interior Ministry said that the investigation involved not only the ministry itself, as had been reported, but also the Defense and National Security Ministries.

The New York Times

They requested an analysis from Australian Geospatial Intelligence Organisation which determined they were "a possible indication of debris," south of the search area that had been the initial focus.

The Guardian

PhD student Asem Al Bunni's reconstruction of the nave, choir and steeple allows people to get an idea of how large the church would have been in Leicester – a possible indication of its importance in the city at that time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a possible indication of", ensure the evidence genuinely suggests a potential outcome and isn't based on unfounded assumptions. Provide context and supporting details.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a possible indication of" as a definitive conclusion. It's crucial to maintain a degree of uncertainty and acknowledge other potential explanations or factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a possible indication of" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a potential explanation or interpretation of a situation or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a possible indication of" is a versatile phrase used to suggest a potential relationship or explanation without stating it as fact. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, especially in news and scientific writing. While it's safe for both formal and informal settings, remember to avoid overstating the certainty and provide supporting context. Alternatives like "a potential sign of" or "a likely indicator of" can add nuance to your writing, but ensure they align with the intended degree of certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a potential sign of

Replaces "possible indication" with "potential sign", implying a slightly stronger likelihood.

a likely indicator of

Substitutes "possible indication" with "likely indicator", suggesting a higher probability.

a potential clue to

Replaces "indication of" with "clue to", focusing on the suggestive nature of the evidence.

a suggestion of

Uses a more concise phrasing, implying something hints at a possibility.

a hint of

Indicates a subtle or indirect indication.

a pointer to

This alternative shifts the imagery toward guidance.

a symptom of

Suggests that something is a sign of an underlying condition.

a signal of

Emphasizes the communicative aspect of the sign.

a reflection of

Indicates that something mirrors or represents something else.

a manifestation of

Suggests that something is an outward sign of an internal state or condition.

FAQs

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

Use "a possible indication of" to suggest that something may point to a particular conclusion or outcome, such as, "The decrease in sales could be "a possible indication of" a weakening economy".

What's a good alternative to "a possible indication of"?

You can use alternatives like "a potential sign of", "a likely indicator of", or "a suggestion of" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a possible indication of"?

It's appropriate when you want to suggest a connection or relationship between two things, but you don't want to state it as a certainty. It implies a degree of uncertainty or possibility.

Is "a possible indication of" formal or informal?

"A possible indication of" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its neutrality allows it to be used in a wide range of contexts.