are only indicative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are only indicative" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is only indicative or suggestive, and not necessarily definitive or certain. For example: "The results of the experiment are only indicative, and further tests are needed to draw a more conclusive conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

And again it is worth pointing out these costs are only indicative as the contract dollar values are not necessarily what is being paid out.

The Guardian

These polling numbers – which are only indicative, since no one has actually voted yet – can be unpicked a hundred different ways.

The Guardian

Note that the cluster's Cellular Component (CC) annotations shown below are only indicative and were not used in the prediction of candidates.

Nature

The project chosen is the design, manufacture and distribution of a prototype motor car and while the operations and time scales are only indicative and do not purport to represent a real life situation.

Project Management, Planning and Control Managing Engineering, Construction and Manufacturing Projects to PMI, APM and BSI Standards

Therefore the numbers are only indicative.

European Journal of Futures Research

Note the sizes are only indicative and should not be interpreted in a quantitative way.

Brain Informatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The commission has stressed that the timetable is only indicative and may be updated according to demand.

The Guardian

Yet Jaques's bold project is only indicative of even bigger issues: the overall relations between human, even cosmic, history and humanity's many technologies, hegemonies and desires.

The New York Times - Books

India was only indicative of kind of a slip we had across the board, and we had to go back and reshore and regroup and improve.

The New York Times

The interim president, Crin Antonescu, admitted he was also there when the pact was signed, but claimed these points were only indicative and to be negotiated at a later stage.

The Economist

Southwark, meanwhile, argues that everything has been done by the book, claiming the number of units was only "indicative" and "subject to change", and that the policy has been fulfilled with regards to total floor area and number of habitable rooms.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are only indicative", ensure that you clarify what further steps or information are needed to reach a more definitive conclusion. This adds transparency and manages expectations.

Common error

Avoid presenting data that "are only indicative" as if they are conclusive proof. Clearly state the limitations of the data and avoid using strong language that suggests certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are only indicative" functions as a qualifier, limiting the strength or certainty of a statement. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase commonly precedes findings in scientific or analytical contexts to signal the need for further investigation. It acts as a hedging device.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are only indicative" is a useful qualifier that signals caution when presenting data or findings that may not be conclusive. As Ludwig AI's analysis and examples illustrate, this phrase commonly appears in scientific and news publications to emphasize the preliminary nature of the results and the need for further research. To enhance clarity and transparency in your writing, clearly state the limitations of the information and provide additional context. By doing so, you manage expectations and avoid overstating the importance of preliminary results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not conclusive

Directly states that the information does not provide a definitive answer, highlighting its limited scope.

merely suggestive

Replaces "indicative" with "suggestive" and adds "merely" for emphasis on the limited nature of the information.

may imply

Uses "imply" to suggest a potential meaning or conclusion, highlighting uncertainty.

point towards

Uses a directional metaphor to suggest that the information indicates a certain direction or conclusion.

just hints at

Uses the verb "hints" to convey the idea of indication, making it less formal.

serve as an indicator

More formal phrasing that emphasizes the role of something as a sign or signal.

provide a clue

Focuses on the aspect of giving a clue or lead, suggesting that the information is part of a larger puzzle.

are a sign of

Suggests that something is a symptom or manifestation of something else.

are preliminary results

Specifically indicates that the findings are early and subject to change with further research.

offer a glimpse of

Implies that the information provides a brief or incomplete view of something.

FAQs

What does "are only indicative" mean?

The phrase "are only indicative" means that something provides a suggestion or clue but is not definitive or conclusive on its own. It implies that further information or analysis is needed.

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

You can use "are only indicative" to qualify findings or results, such as: "These preliminary results "are only indicative", and further research is required."

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

You can use alternatives like "merely suggestive", "just hints at", or "are not conclusive" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "are only indicative"?

It's appropriate to use "are only indicative" when presenting information that provides a potential direction or clue but isn't solid evidence. This is common in research, preliminary reports, and forecasting where more data is needed.