as an indicator of

USAGE SUMMARY

"as an indicator of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to indicate a connection between two things that are easily seen or measured. For example, "Test scores serve as an indicator of school performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Insensible weight loss as an indicator of metabolic rate.

Cornell University

Investors treat reserves as an indicator of future revenues.

The Economist

Caffeine was used as an indicator of wastewater discharges.

Water Research

Viscosity is generally recognized as an indicator of landslide mobilization.

Engineering Geology

Cable's speech is seen as an indicator of what scientists can expect in the CSR.

The Guardian

Finally, what about the falling stock market itself as an indicator of recession risks?

The Guardian - Business

In our analysis we took blocked comments as an indicator of abuse and/or disruption.

The Guardian - Tech

Externally, accreditation can be viewed by some people as an indicator of school quality and effectiveness".

The New York Times

Yet it is still treated as an indicator of economic success.

The Guardian - Opinion

But they are often used as an indicator of the health of a company's basic business.

The New York Times

Analysts have closely monitored the company's cash flow as an indicator of its business strength.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Make sure that the indicator is reliable and valid for the context in which it's being used. A weak indicator weakens your argument or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "as an indicator of" when the connection is weak or speculative. Overstating the significance of an indicator can mislead readers and weaken your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an indicator of" functions as a linking phrase, establishing a relationship between two elements where one serves to signify or suggest the presence, condition, or state of the other. Ludwig's examples showcase this in various contexts, from scientific measurements to economic trends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as an indicator of" is a widely used phrase that effectively connects a specific measure or observation to a broader concept, according to Ludwig's analysis of numerous sources. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. When writing, remember to ensure a clear and logical relationship between the indicator and what it represents, and to avoid overstating its significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicative of

A more formal synonym, maintaining a similar level of directness.

as a sign of

Focuses on the signifying nature of the indicator, implying a more direct and obvious connection.

a signal of

Highlights the communicative aspect of the indicator, implying a transmission of information.

as evidence of

Emphasizes the role of the indicator in providing proof or support for something.

as a measure of

Highlights the quantitative aspect of the indicator, focusing on measurement and quantification.

suggestive of

Indicates a hint or implication rather than a definitive indication.

reflective of

Focuses on how the indicator mirrors or represents something else.

demonstrative of

Stresses the illustrative or demonstrative quality of the indicator.

in terms of

Shifts the focus to the perspective or aspect being considered.

in relation to

Emphasizes the connection or association between the indicator and the concept.

FAQs

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

Use "as an indicator of" to show a relationship where one thing suggests or points to another. For example, "High test scores are often used "as an indicator of" effective teaching."

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

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "as a sign of", "as evidence of", or "indicative of" to express a similar relationship.

Is it appropriate to use "as an indicator of" in formal writing?

Yes, "as an indicator of" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to show that one thing is being used to assess or understand another.

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

"As an indicator of" shows a suggestive relationship or a method of measurement, while "as a result of" indicates cause and effect. For example, "Increased investment is "as an indicator of" economic growth" versus "Economic growth is as a result of increased investment."