any indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "any indication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking for signs, evidence, or hints about something, often in a context of uncertainty or inquiry. Example: "Is there any indication that the project will be completed on time?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I haven't received any indication".

The New York Times

If history is any indication, they'll come.

The New York Times

Not if this trailer is any indication.

The Guardian - Film

A lot, if Manhattan is any indication.

The New York Times

I haven't seen any indication of tiredness.

The Guardian - Sport

But we never had any indication.

The Guardian

He didn't give us any indication".

The New York Times

Is there any indication of substance abuse?

Harvard Business Review

"They haven't given any indication they will".

The New York Times - Arts

¹Past Performance is not any indication of future returns.

Harvard University

Often, spacecraft fail without any indication what went wrong.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "any indication" when you want to inquire about the presence of even the slightest sign or hint of something. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "any indication" in excessively complex sentences where simpler alternatives like "any sign" or "evidence of" would improve clarity. Break down overly complicated structures for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "any indication" functions as a noun phrase often used in questions or statements to inquire about or assert the presence of even the slightest sign, hint, or evidence of something. It is versatile and appears across various contexts, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "any indication" is a versatile and commonly used expression that functions as a noun phrase to inquire about or assert the presence of even the slightest sign or evidence of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and suitable for both formal and informal settings, with a neutral register that lends itself well to diverse contexts such as news reporting, academic writing, and professional communications. While Ludwig examples showcase its widespread applicability, it's important to avoid overuse in overly complex sentences. Related phrases like "any sign" or "any evidence" can provide clearer alternatives in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

any sign

Focuses more directly on physical or observable evidence.

any hint

Implies a subtle or indirect suggestion.

any evidence

Emphasizes concrete proof or support.

any clue

Suggests a piece of information that helps solve a problem.

any suggestion

Highlights a possible idea or plan.

any suggestion

Highlights a possible idea or plan.

any signal

Refers to a clear, often intentional, sign.

any trace

Implies a small amount or remaining sign of something.

any lead

Indicates a piece of information that can guide an investigation.

any acknowledgement

Highlights any form of acceptance or recognition.

FAQs

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

You can use "any indication" to ask whether there is any sign or evidence of something. For example, "Is there "any indication" that the project will be completed on time?"

What are some alternatives to "any indication"?

Some alternatives include "any sign", "any evidence", or "any hint", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "any indications" instead of "any indication"?

While "indications" is the plural form of "indication", the phrase "any indication" is generally preferred when asking if there is even a single sign or piece of evidence. "Any indications" might be appropriate if you specifically expect multiple pieces of evidence.

What's the difference between "any indication" and "some indication"?

"Any indication" questions whether there is any evidence at all, whereas "some indication" suggests that there is likely some evidence, but you are seeking more specific details or confirmation.