a subtle indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a subtle indication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a hint or suggestion that is not overtly obvious or direct. Example: "The artist's use of color in the painting serves as a subtle indication of the emotions experienced by the characters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Yet always there is a tinge of sadness, a subtle indication of a tormented soul.

The New York Times

It was a subtle indication of D'Antoni fitting his playbook to his personnel.

The New York Times - Sports

Ladders, rocks, and fallen tree trunks are lined with white paint in the game, a subtle indication that they can be climbed or traversed.

The New Yorker

Before he left, Dolan gave a strong endorsement of the roster as currently constructed — a subtle indication that he perhaps was not convinced that D'Antoni was getting the most out of it.

The New York Times - Sports

Iraq watchers believe that a popular protest movement calling on Abadi to better handle public services and government corruption is a subtle indication that Iraqis want to beat back Iranian influence in their country.

Huffington Post

If things have been going well and you want to progress to a French kiss, give your partner a subtle indication of your intent.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Finally, muscle histology was analyzed as in Figure 5 to determine whether any subtle indications of reinnervation defects were present.

Plosone

There is, perhaps, one other subtle indication of a writer knowingly book-ending his career or, at least, one sequence of novels.

The Guardian - Books

But in practice there was a subtle contra-indication.

The New York Times - Arts

But Upton stripped out a lot of Gorky's subtle indications of character and status and distorted the Russian context.

The Guardian

And when given the opportunity to pose a question to Mr. Badillo, Mr. Bloomberg offered a not-so-subtle indication of where he thinks the Republican contest is headed: He asked Mr. Badillo to accept a job in a Bloomberg administration.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a subtle indication" when you want to suggest something indirectly, without being overly explicit. This is particularly useful when discussing sensitive topics or implying something that is not yet fully confirmed.

Common error

Avoid using "a subtle indication" when the evidence is actually quite clear or direct. The effectiveness of this phrase lies in its ability to suggest a nuance or hidden meaning, not to describe something that is already evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a subtle indication" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It points to something that serves as a sign or hint, but in an indirect or understated manner. Ludwig's examples highlight how the phrase is used to identify implicit or nuanced signals.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a subtle indication" is a noun phrase that identifies an indirect or understated sign. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used to prompt deeper analysis and nuanced understanding. This phrase works across various contexts, particularly in news and media, albeit it is uncommon in everyday conversation. Remember to use it when aiming for understatement and avoid it when the situation is clear, and you will write efficiently.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a faint clue

Emphasizes the weakness or indistinctness of the sign.

a delicate hint

Highlights the gentle and understated nature of the suggestion.

a slight suggestion

Focuses on the small degree of implication.

a quiet signal

Underscores the silent or unspoken communication.

an indirect suggestion

Indicates the hint is not straightforward or explicit.

an implicit sign

Implies the sign is understood without being directly stated.

a veiled implication

Highlights the covered or concealed nature of the indication.

a tacit signal

Emphasizes the unspoken agreement or understanding.

a low-key sign

Focuses on the understated and modest nature of the sign.

an undercurrent of meaning

Suggests a hidden or underlying significance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a subtle indication" to point out a hint or suggestion that is not immediately obvious. For example, "His hesitation was "a subtle indication" of his discomfort with the proposal."

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

Alternatives include "a faint clue", "a delicate hint", or "a slight suggestion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "subtle indication" or "obvious indication"?

It depends on the context. "Subtle indication" implies that the sign is not immediately apparent, while "obvious indication" means the sign is very clear and easily noticed. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the clarity of the sign you are describing.

What's the difference between "a subtle indication" and "a direct indication"?

"A subtle indication" is indirect and requires interpretation, while "a direct indication" is explicit and leaves no room for ambiguity.