a strong indication

USAGE SUMMARY

"a strong indication" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that there is evidence that suggests something is true. For example, "The reduced overhead costs are a strong indication of the business's improved financial position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cambodian cuisine is a strong indication of the ancient Khmer civilization and its long colonial history.

Cornell University

A strong indication of changing investor attitudes emerges from the forecasts for short-term interest rates.

The New York Times

It was a strong indication that Fassel would not return next season.

The New York Times - Sports

"A threat is such a strong indication you have to act," he said.

The New York Times

"It's a strong indication that agents don't know where the market is".

The Guardian - Money

The effect was riveting, and a strong indication of Karabits's deep sense of purpose.

The Guardian - Music

He termed that "a strong indication of concerted action," something prohibited by baseball's collective bargaining agreement.

The New York Times - Sports

Nonetheless, any figure above 500,000 is considered a strong indication of an economy in recession.

The Guardian - Business

To the coalition, the attacks on van drivers were a strong indication of involuntary servitude.

The New Yorker

The very demand for such books is a strong indication that they aren't working.

The New York Times

But government analysts do not yet have a strong indication of Putin's plans, the official said.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience. For formal contexts, "a strong indication" works well, but for informal settings, consider alternatives like "a clear sign" or "a good hint".

Common error

Avoid using "a strong indication" when the evidence is already overwhelmingly clear. Opt for a more direct statement to prevent sounding redundant. For example, don't say "The winning goal was a strong indication of their victory"; instead, say "The winning goal secured their victory."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong indication" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It highlights something that serves as significant evidence or a clue. As Ludwig AI shows, it's used to suggest a conclusion without stating it as a definitive fact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strong indication" is a versatile phrase used to convey a significant clue or signal toward a particular conclusion. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its neutrality allows for usage across various registers, from academic writing to news reporting, though it is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Scientific sources. When using this phrase, ensure that the evidence genuinely supports the claim and avoid using it when the conclusion is already obvious. Alternative phrases like "a clear sign" or "a compelling sign" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unmistakable sign

Replaces 'strong indication' with 'unmistakable sign', stressing the lack of ambiguity.

a compelling sign

Replaces 'indication' with 'sign', emphasizing the noticeable aspect of the clue but also introducing a nuance on its interpretative aspect.

a telling signal

Replaces 'indication' with 'signal', connoting a deliberate or informative aspect.

a clear sign

Substitutes 'strong indication' with 'clear sign', focusing on the unambiguity of the suggestive fact.

a convincing pointer

Replaces 'indication' with 'pointer', implying directionality and confidence in the hint.

a definite clue

Changes 'indication' to 'clue', suggesting a more investigative context.

a substantial hint

Replaces 'indication' with 'hint', reducing the formality while maintaining the suggestive quality.

a notable suggestion

Switches 'indication' for 'suggestion', emphasizing the element of proposing or recommending an idea based on the signal.

a marked trend

Instead of a single event, it highlights the emergent pattern.

a noteworthy development

Shifts the focus to the progress or evolution that is being signaled.

FAQs

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

Use "a strong indication" to point out a significant piece of evidence that suggests a particular outcome or conclusion. For example, "The company's increased profits are "a strong indication" of its successful marketing strategy".

What are some alternatives to "a strong indication"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a clear sign", "a compelling sign", or "a telling signal".

When is it appropriate to use "a strong indication" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight a piece of evidence that strongly suggests something without making an absolute claim. It's useful in situations where you need to be cautious or when further proof is still needed.

Is "a strong indication" formal or informal?

"A strong indication" is generally considered neutral to formal. For more informal contexts, consider phrases like "a good hint" or "a clear sign".