an indication that

USAGE SUMMARY

"an indication that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase when you want to describe something that suggests or implies the truth or existence of something else. For example, "The lack of contact was an indication that he had lost interest in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Their presence is an indication that the roots are rotting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's an indication that we are in a recession.

The New Yorker

That's an indication that we have a pretty solid business".

The New York Times - Tech

I'm hoping it's an indication that early intervention did work".

The New York Times

"It's an indication that people are responding positively," she said.

The New York Times

"That is an indication that something is wrong somewhere".

The New York Times

Is that an indication that market conditions are improving?

The New York Times

"It's an indication that they know they have a vulnerability," Mr. Corzine said.

The New York Times

"It's an indication that a lot of people have given up hope.

The New York Times

His participation yesterday was seen as an indication that he is growing closer to a decision.

The New York Times

I tend to see it as an indication that both dignity and hope have become aspirational.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an indication that", ensure the subsequent clause clearly explains what is being indicated. For example, "The drop in sales is an indication that the marketing strategy needs revision."

Common error

Avoid using "an indication that" when you have definitive proof. The phrase suggests a degree of uncertainty, so use stronger language if you have concrete evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an indication that" functions as a noun phrase introducing a subordinate clause. It specifies that something serves as a sign, signal, or suggestion of a particular fact or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

32%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an indication that" is a versatile and commonly used expression to signal an inference or suggest a particular conclusion based on available evidence. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts. Its frequency in news, media, and scientific publications highlights its reliability across different domains. When using the phrase, ensure that the implied connection is clear and that stronger, more definitive language is used when concrete evidence is available. Alternatives like "a sign that" or "suggests that" can offer slight variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sign that

Replaces "indication" with "sign", a more direct and less formal synonym.

implies that

Directly states that something is being suggested without explicitly saying so.

a signal that

Similar to "a sign that", but often implies a deliberate communication.

suggests that

A verb phrase that conveys implication or possibility, replacing the noun phrase.

is suggestive of

A more formal and nuanced way of expressing that something implies something else.

evidence suggesting that

More formal and emphasizes the presence of supporting facts.

points to the fact that

More emphatic, suggesting a strong correlation or direction.

a hint that

Implies a subtle or indirect suggestion.

a clue that

Suggests a piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery.

bears witness to

Emphasizes direct observation, often used to signify empirical observation.

FAQs

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

Use "an indication that" to suggest something is likely or probable based on the available evidence. For example, "The early frost is an indication that we'll have a harsh winter".

What are some alternatives to "an indication that"?

You can use alternatives like "a sign that", "a signal that", or "suggests that" depending on the context.

Is "an indication of" the same as "an indication that"?

"An indication of" typically refers to a quality or characteristic, while "an indication that" introduces a clause stating a likely outcome or conclusion. For example, "an indication of interest" vs. "an indication that they will accept the offer".

When is it better to use "suggests that" instead of "an indication that"?

Use "suggests that" when you want to emphasize the action of implying or hinting, while "an indication that" highlights the evidence or sign itself. The choice depends on whether you want to focus on the act of suggesting or the piece of evidence.