a small indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small indication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minor sign or hint about something. Example: "The sudden drop in temperature was a small indication that winter was approaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

That is a small indication of how thoroughly the series has broken the television mold.

The New York Times

But Roddick has never claimed he has the game to compare with those two multi-champions and here was a small indication that his own expectations may be a good deal more limited.

The Guardian - Sport

Gillingham, the ill-defined aristo whose name sounds like that of a used car salesman, is back on the scene and he has developed a small indication of personality.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A small indication of his untypical nature was that in a party of striped-suited sartorialists, he was the only Tory MP I have seen wearing a sports jacket in the Commons chamber.

The Guardian

Graham Smith, chief executive of Republic, which campaigns for an elected head of state, said: "These letters are only a small indication of widespread lobbying that's been going on for years.

The Guardian

A small indication was the scrapping in April of the last foolish restrictions that allowed only small businesses to produce items like wooden furniture, locks, candles, matches, bangles and pickles.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

If the reimbursement assessment involves an extension of the indication area of a procedure that has already been proven effective and reimbursed for a smaller indication, this may also legitimise the use of suboptimal evidence.

BMJ Open

This finding was not present for respiratory and food/digestive allergies, but there was some small indication of a gradient for skin allergies as a health outcome.

BMC Pediatrics

A small outward indication of this was his decision to use a cassock as everyday dress and to wear a mitre on formal occasions, the first archbishop since the English Reformation to do so.

Wikipedia

The recognition by EMBO of the importance of China is one small indication that EMBO and presumably scientists everywhere are working in a true international environment in which cooperation and collaboration should prevail for the long-term mutual benefit of scientists in both communities.

Science Magazine

As totalitarian regimes teach us, freedom to dress is no small indication of wider liberties.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure it is followed by "of" and the subject to which the indication refers (e.g., "a small indication of progress", not just "a small indication").

Common error

Avoid using "a small indication" when the evidence is actually strong or definitive. This can mislead your audience about the reliability of the information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small indication" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Based on Ludwig's examples, it often introduces a piece of evidence or signal that is not definitive but suggestive.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small indication" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a minor or subtle sign or piece of evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. While it appears most frequently in News & Media and Science, its neutral register makes it suitable for broader application. When using this phrase, ensure you don't overstate the significance of the indication and use "of" to specify what the indication refers to. Remember that alternatives like "a minor indication" or "a slight sign" may better suit your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor indication

Slightly more formal, emphasizing the insignificance of the indication.

a slight sign

Focuses on the 'sign' aspect, implying something observable, but not very prominent.

a hint of evidence

Emphasizes the evidentiary aspect of the indication, suggesting minimal proof.

a faint clue

Highlights the clue-like nature, implying it requires careful interpretation.

a subtle suggestion

Emphasizes the indirect and understated nature of the indication.

a trace of proof

Like "hint of evidence", this emphasizes a minimal amount of substantiation.

a glimpse of evidence

Focuses on a brief and incomplete view of evidence.

a suggestion of evidence

Highlights the suggestion-like nature of proof, indicating something indirect and not explicit

a whisper of a sign

Emphasizes the faintness and subtlety of the sign.

a mere hint

Stresses the insignificance and bare minimum nature of the hint.

FAQs

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

Use "a small indication" to refer to a minor sign or hint. For example, "The slight increase in sales was "a small indication" that the new marketing campaign was working".

What phrases are similar to "a small indication"?

Similar phrases include "a minor indication", "a slight sign", or "a hint of evidence". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a small indication" or "a large indication"?

The choice depends on the strength of the evidence. Use "a small indication" when the evidence is weak or subtle. Use "a large indication" when the evidence is strong and clear.

What does "a small indication of bias" mean?

It suggests there's a slight or minimal influence affecting impartiality. This might imply that results or opinions could be subtly swayed, though not definitively compromised.