are indications only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are indications only" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify that something is merely suggestive or not definitive. Example: "The results of the survey are indications only and should not be taken as conclusive evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Note that as there are only a low number (between 4 and 5 over 20 ns) of reversible transitions observed, the percentages of the arginine positions are indications only.

Biochemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But there are indications not only that such behaviour may have been more widespread but also occurred with the full knowledge and even encouragement of the miscreants' superiors.

The Economist

Pay attention to detail Look at the technical skills that have gone into it, such as how paint is applied, how well the canvas has been stretched, the framing – these are indications not only of skill but also dedication.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For there are indications -- if only incremental -- that China is moving to make its currency, the renminbi ("RMB"), an international standard of trading -- if not an eventual replacement to the once-all-mighty USD.

Huffington Post

Yet there are indications that Cameron is not only doing politics when he does God.

The Guardian

There are indications of boundary segments of only about 1 m occurring between some adjacent fields.

Environmental Sciences Europe

All that time spent in the gym was an indication only of his burning ambition — and of the likelihood that he might know some drug pushers.

The New Yorker

There are only indications of the specialized areas and of glandlike structures, such as the liver and pancreas, that occur in vertebrates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These tests are not recommended as routine tests but should be used for specific indications only.

Clinical Rheumatology

Diamond earrings and a diamond pendant are the only indications of his fortune and, indirectly, his fame.

The New Yorker

Guardhouses on roads to the front and back of the house are the only indications that the modest home is owned by Mr. Gore, who rarely visits.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are indications only", ensure the context clearly states what further evidence or analysis is needed to reach a more definitive conclusion.

Common error

Avoid presenting information qualified as "are indications only" as if it were definitive proof. Always maintain a cautious and tentative tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are indications only" functions as a qualifier, limiting the strength of a statement. It suggests that the information presented offers some insight or points towards a particular conclusion, but isn't definitive. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are indications only" is a grammatically correct qualifier used to express caution and limit the strength of a claim. It suggests that available information points towards a conclusion without being definitive proof. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability in English writing. It frequently appears in Science and News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to avoid overstating the significance of the indications and to clearly signal the need for further evidence or analysis. Alternatives include phrases like "are merely suggestive" or "are just signals", which offer similar nuances depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are merely suggestive

Replaces "indications" with "suggestive", emphasizing the tentative nature.

are just signals

Substitutes "indications" with "signals", focusing on the communicative aspect of the evidence.

are solely hints

Replaces "indications" with "hints" and adds "solely" for emphasis.

are only suggestive clues

Adds "clues" to clarify the type of indications and uses "suggestive" for a slightly different tone.

are not conclusive evidence

Expresses the meaning in a negative form, highlighting the lack of certainty.

are preliminary findings

Uses "preliminary findings" to emphasize the early stage of the information.

are rough estimates

Shifts the focus to approximation rather than direct indication.

should be viewed as tentative

Changes the structure to a recommendation about how to interpret the information.

offer limited insight

Focuses on the degree of understanding provided by the indications.

represent initial signs

Highlights the start or beginning phase of the observation or data.

FAQs

How can I use "are indications only" in a sentence?

Use "are indications only" to show that certain information suggests something, but isn't conclusive. For example, "The early test results are indications only; further tests are needed."

What's the difference between "are indications only" and "is conclusive evidence"?

"Are indications only" suggests something but doesn't prove it, while "is conclusive evidence" means the information proves something definitively.

What can I say instead of "are indications only"?

You can use alternatives like "are merely suggestive", "are just signals", or "are solely hints" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "are indications only" in academic writing?

It's appropriate to use "are indications only" in academic writing when presenting preliminary findings, suggesting possible trends, or discussing data that requires further validation.