a reliable indication of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reliable indication of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that serves as a trustworthy sign or signal of a particular condition or outcome. Example: "The consistent performance of the team is a reliable indication of their dedication and hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The present work proposes a series of eco-design indicators and tests to what extent the application of these simple indicators provides a reliable indication of the reduction of environmental impact, as measured by commonly employed Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) indicators.

Journal of Cleaner Production

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

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 of", ensure that the evidence supporting the reliability is clear and verifiable. For instance, cite the data or methodology that validates the indication.

Common error

Avoid presenting an indication as definitively reliable without acknowledging potential limitations or caveats. Qualify the statement to reflect the actual degree of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reliable indication of" functions as a noun phrase that describes something that serves as a trustworthy sign or signal of a particular condition or outcome. Ludwig examples support this grammatical function, indicating its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a reliable indication of" is grammatically sound and frequently employed across varied contexts, ranging from scientific research to news reporting. According to Ludwig, the expression is correct and functions as a noun phrase, highlighting a trustworthy sign or signal. When using this phrase, ensure the evidence supporting its reliability is clear. Be mindful of overstating reliability without caveats. Alternatives include "a trustworthy sign of" and "a strong indicator of". The phrase's versatile application and robust presence in credible sources affirm its value in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solid indication of

Replaces "reliable" with "solid", implying a firm and dependable sign.

a strong indicator of

Replaces "reliable" with "strong", suggesting a powerful and convincing indication.

a trustworthy sign of

Substitutes "indication" with "sign", focusing on the dependability of the sign.

a consistent indication of

Focuses on the regularity and predictability of the indication.

a sure mark of

Replaces "indication" with "mark", emphasizing the certainty of the sign.

a dependable measure of

Replaces "indication" with "measure", highlighting the quantitative aspect of the sign.

an accurate reflection of

Focuses on the correctness and precision of the reflection provided.

a telling sign of

Uses "telling" to emphasize that the sign reveals important information.

a good gauge of

Uses "gauge" as a synonym for "indication", implying a method for assessment.

a significant predictor of

Highlights the predictive power of the indication.

FAQs

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

Use "a reliable indication of" to introduce something that serves as a trustworthy sign or predictor. For example: "Consistent attendance is "a reliable indication of" student engagement."

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

Alternatives include "a trustworthy sign of", "a dependable measure of", or "a strong indicator of", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

When is something considered "a reliable indication of" something else?

Something can be considered "a reliable indication of" something else when it consistently and accurately reflects or predicts it, backed by data or evidence.

Is there a difference between "a reliable indication of" and "a strong indication of"?

While similar, "a reliable indication of" emphasizes trustworthiness and consistency, while "a strong indication of" emphasizes the power or forcefulness of the sign or predictor.