an indicator of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an indicator of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about something that is demonstrating or suggesting something else. For example, "High levels of absenteeism in the workplace can be an indicator of poor morale among employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An imbalance may provide an indicator of disease.

Nature

It is an indicator of geopolitical risk.

The Economist

Is it an indicator of self-doubt?

The Guardian - Sport

That substance is an indicator of drought.

The New York Times - Science

It's an indicator of that," he said.

The Guardian

"Average is not an indicator of need.

The New York Times

It's not an indicator of work happiness.

The Guardian

It's hardly an indicator of social change.

The Guardian - Opinion

But neither is an indicator of quality.

The New York Times - Food

●Color is not an indicator of freshness.

The Washington Post

"But that's not an indicator of success for me".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an indicator of", ensure that the relationship between the indicator and what it signifies is clear and direct. Avoid vague or ambiguous connections that could confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something is "an indicator of" something else, it directly causes it. Correlation does not equal causation; an indicator merely suggests a relationship, not a guaranteed cause-and-effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an indicator of" functions as a noun phrase that serves to identify something as a sign or measure of another thing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to point out a relationship between two elements, where one suggests the state or existence of the other. Examples from Ludwig showcase its diverse applications across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

36%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an indicator of" is a versatile phrase used to establish a relationship between two elements, where one acts as a sign or measure of the other. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and applicable across diverse contexts. The phrase sees frequent use in news, science, and academic writing, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employing it. When using the phrase, ensure that the relationship between the indicator and what it signifies is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "a sign of" or "evidence of" can provide similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sign of

Replaces "indicator" with "sign", emphasizing the suggestive nature of the relationship.

evidence of

Highlights the role of the indicator in providing proof or support for a claim.

a measure of

Focuses on the quantitative aspect, where the indicator provides a measurable value.

a reflection of

Highlights how the indicator mirrors or represents something else.

a hallmark of

Used when the indicator is a distinctive feature or characteristic.

a demonstration of

Emphasizes that the indicator is actively showing the existence or quality of something.

a gauge of

Implies that the indicator is used to assess or evaluate something.

an expression of

Suggests that the indicator is a way in which something is manifested or revealed.

a clue to

Indicates that the phrase offers a hint or piece of information leading to a better understanding.

a symptom of

Specifically used when the indicator is a sign of a problem or condition.

FAQs

How do I use "an indicator of" in a sentence?

Use "an indicator of" to show that one thing suggests the presence or condition of something else. For example, "High blood pressure can be "an indicator of" underlying heart disease".

What can I say instead of "an indicator of"?

You can use alternatives like "a sign of", "evidence of", or "a measure of" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "indicator of" or "indication of"?

"Indicator of" refers to the specific thing that points to something else, while "indication of" refers to the act of pointing out or suggesting. Both are correct but have slightly different meanings.

What's the difference between "an indicator of" and "a predictor of"?

"An indicator of" suggests a current state or condition, while "a predictor of" suggests a future outcome. For example, unemployment rate is ""an indicator of"" current economic health, but consumer confidence might be "a predictor of" future spending.