a reliable indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reliable indication" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that consistently suggests or points to a particular outcome or truth. Example: "The data collected over the years serves as a reliable indication of the trend in consumer behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The analysis results indicate that the monitoring method gives a reliable indication of an earthquake within a reasonable time window.

Radioactivity in the Environment

This indicates that the nominal values provided a reliable indication of the real exposure concentrations and validates their use in the concentration response analyses.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Sample size calculation indicated that sampling seven animals sufficed to obtain a reliable indication of calf groups of up to 40 animals.

Research in Veterinary Science

Any one test isn't a reliable indication of authorship.

The New Yorker

But they simply aren't a reliable indication of voter preferences in Missouri.

The Guardian

The device measures the number of slowed neutrons, a reliable indication of moisture.

The New York Times - Tech

Dietary particle size, expressed as peNDF, was a reliable indication of chewing activity.

Journal of Dairy Science

But polling averages might not be a reliable indication of who will win the 2016 presidential election.

The Guardian

Do you think any of this data provides a reliable indication of mental health – or the treatment for illnesses?

The Guardian

This pain pattern represents a definitive symptom of neoplastic instability and may serve as a reliable indication for surgical stabilization.

The Spine Journal

If the dignity of a government's holiday arrangements is a reliable indication of the manner in which a country is governed then Wales is the place to be.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reliable indication", ensure that the evidence supporting the indication is clearly stated and verifiable. This enhances the credibility of your claim.

Common error

Avoid presenting something as "a reliable indication" if the data supporting it is limited or contradictory. Overstating reliability can undermine your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reliable indication" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it signifies something that consistently suggests a particular outcome or truth. The examples illustrate its use in various contexts to denote dependable signs or markers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reliable indication" is a noun phrase commonly used across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal communication, to denote a trustworthy source of information or evidence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and signifies something that consistently suggests a particular outcome. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure that the supporting evidence is clear and verifiable to maintain credibility. Alternatives like "a trustworthy sign" or "a dependable signal" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoiding overstatement of reliability is crucial to prevent undermining your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trustworthy sign

Emphasizes the trustworthiness of the sign, suggesting it can be depended upon.

a dependable signal

Highlights the dependability of the signal as a source of information.

a valid predictor

Focuses on the ability of the indication to predict future outcomes.

a sound indicator

Stresses the soundness and accuracy of the indicator.

a credible marker

Emphasizes the credibility and trustworthiness of the marker.

a convincing demonstration

Highlights the persuasive nature of the demonstration as proof.

a solid clue

Focuses on the clue being strong and dependable.

a telling symptom

Emphasizes that the symptom is revealing and informative.

a suggestive piece of evidence

Highlights the suggestive nature of the evidence.

a strong pointer

Emphasizes the strength and directness of the pointer.

FAQs

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

Use "a reliable indication" to show that something consistently suggests or points to a particular outcome or truth. For example, "Consistent sales growth is "a reliable indication" of a healthy business."

What are some alternatives to saying "a reliable indication"?

You can use alternatives like "a trustworthy sign", "a dependable signal", or "a valid predictor" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "reliable indication" or "a reliable indication"?

While "reliable indication" might be acceptable in some contexts, using the article "a" before "reliable indication" is generally more grammatically correct and natural, especially when referring to a specific instance or example.

What's the difference between "a reliable indication" and "a strong suggestion"?

"A reliable indication" implies a greater degree of certainty and evidence-based support, whereas "a strong suggestion" conveys a possibility that is less firmly substantiated.