a strong indicator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a strong indicator' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something that provides a reliable and significant indication about something. For example, "The increase in sales during the holiday season is a strong indicator of the company's growth potential."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Our data indicate that abnormal overexpression of p53 protein is a strong indicator of poor prognosis.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Clinical

How people stand is a strong indicator of their mindset.

Harvard Business Review

That's a strong indicator that the market is not going to topple".

The New York Times

This incident, in all its glorious triviality, is a strong indicator that he is not.

The New Yorker

But they can also be a strong indicator of emerging risk.

The Guardian

"It's certainly a strong indicator that what's been recommended now is working".

The New York Times

That information was a strong indicator that the Chinese had obtained national secrets.

The New York Times

"This is a strong indicator of an improved economy and corporate spending" increases, Mr. Chambers said.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, the simple growth of mortgage debt provides a strong indicator for housing price growth.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Church attendance remained a strong indicator of political preference.

The New York Times

GDP growth is a strong indicator of the economic direction of the country.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a strong indicator", ensure the relationship between the indicator and what it indicates is clearly established for your audience. For instance, specify what makes it 'strong' (e.g. high correlation, predictive power).

Common error

Avoid presenting "a strong indicator" as an absolute guarantee. While it suggests a high probability, other factors can influence the outcome. Qualify your statement to reflect potential variability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong indicator" primarily functions as a noun phrase that identifies something providing a reliable suggestion about a particular outcome or state. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in varied contexts. The word “indicator” acts like a noun that receives the qualities of being “strong”.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

45%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strong indicator" is a versatile phrase used to highlight a reliable sign or predictor. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and frequency across various domains, including news, science, and academia. The phrase functions as a noun phrase to signal significance with neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the relationship between the indicator and the outcome is well-defined and to avoid overstating its predictive power. Remember, while it suggests a high probability, it's not a guarantee. Alternatives like "a telling sign" or "a reliable gauge" can add nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reliable gauge

Replaces "indicator" with "gauge", implying a measuring instrument that provides a reliable assessment.

a telling sign

Substitutes "indicator" with "sign", emphasizing that the indication is revealing or significant.

a clear signal

Uses "signal" instead of "indicator", focusing on the clarity and directness of the indication.

a key predictor

Replaces "indicator" with "predictor", highlighting the ability to forecast future outcomes.

a significant marker

Uses "marker" in place of "indicator", suggesting the indication acts as a notable signpost.

a solid clue

Employs "clue" instead of "indicator", indicating a piece of evidence that helps solve a problem or mystery.

a potent symbol

Substitutes "indicator" with "symbol", implying the indication represents something else, often with strong effect.

a compelling demonstration

Replaces "indicator" with "demonstration", suggesting that something proves validity.

a noteworthy trend

Uses "trend" in place of "indicator", focusing on a pattern observed over time.

a revealing aspect

Substitutes "indicator" with "aspect", focusing on the fact that indication reveals something useful.

FAQs

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

Use "a strong indicator" to highlight something that reliably suggests a particular outcome or condition. For example, "Increased website traffic is "a strong indicator" of growing customer interest".

What are some alternatives to saying "a strong indicator"?

You can use alternatives such as "a telling sign", "a reliable gauge", or "a key predictor" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "strong indicator" or "significant indicator"?

Both "strong indicator" and "significant indicator" are acceptable, but "strong indicator" usually emphasizes the reliability and predictive power of the sign, while "significant indicator" stresses its importance or noteworthiness. Choose the one that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something is described as "a strong indicator"?

When something is described as "a strong indicator", it means it provides a reliable and noteworthy sign that something else is likely to be the case. It implies a high degree of correlation or predictability.