an indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'an indication' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that provides evidence or a sign. For example, "The rising stock market is an indication that the economy is improving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An offer is an indication they want to hire you.

Huffington Post

Maybe the fist pump is an indication.

The New York Times - Sports

It's an indication of our commitment".

The New York Times

"It is an indication of more conviction".

The New York Times

That's an indication of positive change.

University of California, Berkeley

It was an indication of Shelvey's influence.

The Guardian - Sport

The first tee was an indication.

The New York Times - Sports

Hopefully, tonight was an indication of that".

The New York Times - Sports

"So that should give you an indication".

The New York Times

It gives an indication of the losses.

The Guardian

That is an indication of patience.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an indication" when you want to suggest that something points towards a particular conclusion or situation without stating it as a definite fact. For example: "Low voter turnout can be an indication of widespread apathy."

Common error

Avoid using "an indication" when you want to express an absolute certainty. The phrase implies a degree of uncertainty. If the evidence is conclusive, use stronger language such as "proof" or "evidence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an indication" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a piece of information suggesting something. According to Ludwig AI, it signifies evidence or a sign. Examples in Ludwig show it's frequently used to point toward possible conclusions or states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

28%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an indication" is a versatile phrase used to suggest a sign or piece of evidence pointing toward a conclusion, without stating it definitively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, from news reports and academic papers to scientific articles. While it's common, remember to avoid overstating certainty and choose stronger language when conclusive evidence is available. Be mindful of its neutral register and aim to imply rather than assert a definitive truth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sign

Replaces "indication" with a more basic and direct term.

a signal

Similar to "indication", but often implies a more deliberate communication.

a hint

Suggests a subtle or indirect sign.

evidence of

Emphasizes the supporting nature of the sign.

a symptom of

Often used in medical or abstract contexts to suggest a problem.

a clue

Implies something that helps solve a puzzle or mystery.

a demonstration of

Highlights that something is being shown or proven.

a suggestion of

Indicates a possibility or a slight hint.

a manifestation of

Highlights how something abstract becomes apparent.

a mark of

Implies a distinctive feature or characteristic.

FAQs

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

"An indication" suggests something that points toward a particular fact or conclusion. For example, "The company's increased profits are "an indication" of its success".

What phrases are similar to "an indication"?

Alternatives to "an indication" include "a sign", "a hint", or "evidence of", each carrying subtle differences in meaning.

Is it always appropriate to use "an indication"?

No, use it when you need to imply that something is likely but not definitively proven. If you have conclusive evidence, stronger terms like "proof" or "certainty" are more appropriate.

What's the difference between "an indication" and "proof"?

"An indication" suggests a possibility, while "proof" implies certainty. For example, "Rising temperatures are "an indication" of climate change", but "Scientific data provides "proof" of the phenomenon".