a worrying indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a worrying indication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a sign or signal that causes concern or anxiety about a situation or outcome. Example: "The recent rise in unemployment rates is a worrying indication of the economic downturn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It is frustrating and a worrying indication of things to come.

The Guardian

Mohamed Ouzzine, the minister of youth and sports, said the crowd violence was a worrying indication of societal problems.

The New York Times

AS GEORGE BUSH laboured this week on his international fence-mending, a worrying indication of the size of the task came out of Washington.

The Economist

A bombing against those immigrants would be a blow to Germany's international image and a worrying indication that the extreme right is becoming bolder and more organized.

The New York Times

But Rosa Palone, the president of Buccinasco's town council and a member of the centre-left Democratic Party, said the case of Mr Cereda was "a worrying indication" of the problem of corruption among Italy's public officials.

Independent

Another theory suggests that the incident is a worrying indication of the tensions within the North Korean power structure.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

This, my mother always said, was the first worrying indication leading (30 years later) to divorce.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Self-reported diabetes and hypertension also increased in prevalence over this time with worrying indications that this had occurred at a faster rate in the socio-economically disadvantaged.

BMJ Open

For his successor at the Reebok Stadium, Sam Allardyce, there are worrying indications that the Bolton bubble has burst after an impressive start to life in the Premiership.

The Guardian - Sport

Analysts at Panmure Gordon issued a sell note on the business, saying: While Northern Foods states that trading is in line with management expectations and that it expects to deliver full-year results in line with market expectations, second quarter sales growth has slowed dramatically and there are worrying indications of pressure on chilled margins.

The Guardian - Business

There are worrying indications that this trickle of deposits has started to swell in recent days.Karolos Papoulias, the president of Greece, said on May 14th that he had been warned by the central bank that depositors had just withdrawn some €700m ($894m) from Greek banks.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a worrying indication" to express concern about a specific sign or piece of evidence suggesting a negative outcome. Ensure the context clearly explains what the indication points to and why it's worrisome.

Common error

Avoid using "a worrying indication" when the evidence is weak or speculative. Overusing it can create unnecessary alarm and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a worrying indication" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. Ludwig examples show it used to describe a concerning sign or development. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a worrying indication" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase utilized to convey apprehension or concern about a specific sign or development. Ludwig's analysis and the provided examples show its usage across diverse contexts, with a prominent presence in news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly outlines the nature of the indication and the basis for the expressed worry, and consider alternatives like ""a disturbing sign"" or ""a troubling development"" to fine-tune the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disturbing sign

Replaces "indication" with "sign", focusing on the visual or observable aspect of the concern.

a troubling development

Shifts the focus to an unfolding event that causes concern, rather than a static sign.

a concerning development

Focuses on the evolving nature of the situation and its potential negative implications.

a cause for concern

Highlights the reason for worry directly, rather than an indirect indicator.

an alarming signal

Emphasizes the warning nature of the indication, suggesting potential danger.

a disquieting trend

Highlights a pattern of events that is causing unease or anxiety.

a reason for apprehension

Highlights the feeling of anxiety or fear about what might happen in the future.

a negative omen

Conveys a sense of foreboding, suggesting a bad outcome is likely.

a serious red flag

Uses idiomatic expression to emphasize the warning and urgency of the situation.

an unsettling harbinger

Implies that the indication is a sign of something more ominous to come.

FAQs

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

You can use "a worrying indication" to point out something that suggests a negative outcome. For example, "The decline in test scores is "a worrying indication" of problems within the education system."

What are some alternatives to "a worrying indication"?

Alternatives include "a disturbing sign", "a troubling development", or "a cause for concern". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a worrying indication" or "a concerning indication"?

Both "worrying" and "concerning" are acceptable, but "worrying" may convey a slightly stronger sense of anxiety. The choice often depends on personal preference and the overall tone you want to create.

What's the difference between "a worrying indication" and "a worrying trend"?

"A worrying indication" refers to a specific sign or piece of evidence, while "a worrying trend" describes a pattern of events or behaviors that is causing concern.