an important indicator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an important indicator" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that serves as a significant sign or measure of a particular situation or condition. Example: "The unemployment rate is often considered an important indicator of the overall health of the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's an important indicator for the city".

The New York Times

Energy usage is an important indicator of an economy's health.

The New York Times

We think it's an important indicator of the workforce.

Independent

Patient satisfaction is an important indicator of healthcare system performance.

Asian Journal of Surgery

But they are an important indicator of how well a college accomplishes its mission.

The New York Times

"The Republican National Committee's strength is an important indicator," said Alex Conant, the R.N.C. spokesman.

The New York Times

Other Important Factors The volume of urine produced can be an important indicator of hydration.

The New York Times - Health

Despite her financial edge so far, Mr. Lazio has more money on hand, an important indicator.

The New York Times

The discount rate serves as an important indicator of the condition of credit in an economy.

Britannica

And speed is an important indicator too since drivers usually slow down before making a turn.

MIT Technology Review

Muscle pH is an important indicator of how well treatment is working, says Soller.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an important indicator", ensure the context clearly defines what is being indicated and why it is significant. Provide specific details or examples to support the indicator's importance.

Common error

Avoid using "an important indicator" without providing sufficient evidence or justification. Readers should understand why the indicator matters and what conclusions can be drawn from it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an important indicator" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies something that provides significant information or insight. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an important indicator" is a widely used phrase for emphasizing the significance of a particular sign, metric, or factor. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it is grammatically sound and versatile, appearing frequently in news, science, and business contexts. When using this phrase, remember to clearly define the indicator and explain its importance. Alternatives like "a key metric" or "a significant sign" can be used to add variety while maintaining clarity. Using specific examples and providing sufficient justification will strengthen your writing and enhance reader understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant sign

Replaces "indicator" with "sign" and "important" with "significant", slightly altering the emphasis.

a reliable measure

Emphasizes the dependability of the indicator, using "measure" as a synonym.

a vital sign

Uses "vital sign", often used in medical contexts, to indicate importance for health or well-being.

a key metric

Uses "metric" as a more quantitative alternative to "indicator", suitable in business or scientific contexts.

a noteworthy signal

Substitutes "indicator" with "signal", suggesting a communication or alert function.

a crucial factor

Substitutes "indicator" with "factor", highlighting the influence of the element being measured.

a strong predictor

Highlights the ability of the indicator to forecast future outcomes.

a telling statistic

Replaces "indicator" with "statistic", focusing on numerical data as the sign.

a valuable insight

Shifts the emphasis to the understanding gained from the indicator.

an essential element

Changes the focus to the fundamental nature of the indicator as a component.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "an important indicator" in a sentence?

To use "an important indicator" effectively, clearly state what the indicator is measuring and explain why it's significant. For example, "Customer satisfaction is "an important indicator" of a company's long-term success."

What are some alternatives to saying "an important indicator"?

You can use alternatives like "a key metric", "a significant sign", or "a crucial factor" depending on the specific context. Each of these /s/alternatives emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the indicator.

Is it always necessary to quantify "an important indicator"?

While quantifying an indicator provides concrete data, it's not always necessary. Qualitative indicators can also be valuable, especially when measuring abstract concepts like morale or perception. However, it's important to provide context for qualitative "an important indicator".

How does "an important indicator" differ from "a leading indicator"?

"An important indicator" simply signifies something of consequence. A "leading indicator", on the other hand, specifically predicts future economic activity or trends. For example, new home sales growth is /s/an+important+indicator of returning health, whereas building permits are a leading indicator.