as an indicator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an indicator" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is functioning as an indicator or example of something else. For example, "The increase in sales was seen as an indicator of increased customer interest in the product."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Using indices as an indicator has advantages and disadvantages.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Insensible weight loss as an indicator of metabolic rate.

Cornell University

This figure is notoriously unreliable as an indicator.

The Economist

Investors treat reserves as an indicator of future revenues.

The Economist

Similarly, rats serve as an indicator species in toxicological studies.

Comparative Anatomy and Histology A Mouse, Rat, and Human Atlas

Caffeine was used as an indicator of wastewater discharges.

Water Research

CAI could be used as an indicator for hemolytic anemia.

Clinica Chimica Acta

Viscosity is generally recognized as an indicator of landslide mobilization.

Engineering Geology

Take trade data as an indicator.

Forbes

Use them as an indicator rather than hard fact.

BBC

Unfortunately, activity rarely serves as an indicator for results.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as an indicator", ensure that the relationship between the indicator and what it signifies is clear and well-supported by evidence.

Common error

Avoid treating an indicator as a definitive proof. An indicator is a sign or suggestion, not a certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an indicator" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, specifying the role or purpose of something as a sign or measure of another thing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

26%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as an indicator" is a versatile tool for establishing a relationship between a measurable or observable element and a broader phenomenon. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and confirms its widespread usage, particularly in science, news media, and academic contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the connection between the indicator and the phenomenon is clear, avoiding the pitfall of overstating the indicator's reliability. Alternatives such as "serving as a metric" or "functioning as a sign" can offer subtle nuances in meaning. Remember that using "as an indicator" implies a sign, not necessarily a direct cause.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

used as a measure

Focuses on assessing a specific value.

functioning as a sign

Emphasizes the role of signaling or representing something.

working as a proxy

Suggests a substitution for something more difficult to measure directly.

serving as a metric

Focuses on the quantitative aspect of a measure.

viewed as a marker

Highlights the use as a point of reference.

regarded as a signal

Focuses on the communicative aspect of the indicator.

acting as a gauge

Implies a more precise measurement or assessment.

employed as a criterion

Highlights the use as a standard for judgement.

being a barometer

Highlights sensitivity to changes or trends.

considered a hallmark

Implies something distinctive or characteristic.

FAQs

How can I use "as an indicator" in a sentence?

You can use "as an indicator" to show that something is a sign or measure of something else. For example, "Increased website traffic can be used as an indicator of successful marketing campaigns."

What are some alternatives to saying "as an indicator"?

Alternatives include "serving as a metric", "functioning as a sign", or "acting as a gauge", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use something "as an indicator"?

It is appropriate when you have a valid reason to believe something is a reliable sign of something else, but avoid overstating the certainty of the indication. Make sure to provide a rationale behind the thing chosen as an indicator.

What's the difference between using something "as an indicator" versus "as a cause"?

"As an indicator" suggests a correlation or sign, while "as a cause" implies a direct influence. For example, high blood pressure might serve as an indicator of heart disease, but smoking can be cited as a direct cause of lung cancer.