at first indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at first indication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initial signs or signals of something occurring or being observed. Example: "At first indication of trouble, the team decided to implement their emergency protocols."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Our data might provide at first indication.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The level of treatment was considered 'toxic' at first indications of lethality (i.e. >10% lethality).

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

The Japanese ships held their course while pointing more than 50 guns at Blue, ready to open fire at the first indication that Blue had sighted them.

Wikipedia

At the first indication of possible tornadic activity, residents of mobile homes are advised to seek shelter in sturdy buildings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"In Westport, the people are very wealthy, and at the first indication of anything, they'll threaten or file a lawsuit".

The New York Times

First, Mr. Romney and his aides are ready to pounce at the first indication that Mr. Perry is backing away from his previous views.

The New York Times

But Polian was ashen as he scrambled from his seat in the Philadelphia press box Sunday at the first indication that his receiver Austin Collie was not going to bounce up quickly from a blow to the back of his helmet by Eagles safety Kurt Coleman.

The New York Times - Sports

At the first indication that an expert has given testimony that is demonstrably false, is misleading about his credentials or indicates a disregard for scientific integrity, that expert should be found no longer fit to testify.

Huffington Post

The Boyfriends were an insular group, too, but at the first indication someone needed help, most would call and offer their services with everything from computer problems to catching chickens.

Huffington Post

At the first indication of shed oocysts, the intestine was harvested and processed for IHC.

BMC Genomics

For those young women who became unexpectedly pregnant, study medication was discontinued at the first indication of pregnancy.

Diabetes Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at first indication" to clearly signal the initial moment when a sign or symptom becomes apparent. This helps create a sense of immediacy and clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "at first indication" when you actually have concrete proof or definitive evidence. "Indication" suggests a hint or suggestion, not a certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at first indication" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the timing of an action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The Examples show its role in denoting the initial moment when something becomes apparent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at first indication" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that indicates the initial moment when something becomes apparent. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility makes it suitable for a variety of contexts, from news reports and scientific articles to general discussions. While highly prevalent in news and media sources, scientific sources also demonstrate a strong affinity for the phrase. When employing "at first indication", ensure that it accurately represents the initial stage of an event, and consider alternative phrasing, such as "at the outset", when greater formality is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the onset

Emphasizes the commencement or start of something, often something negative.

at the outset

Focuses on the very beginning or start of something.

in the initial stage

Highlights the early phase of a process or situation.

upon commencement

More formal and emphasizes the beginning of an event or activity.

at inception

Refers to the very start or creation of something.

at the preliminary stage

Highlights that something is in the initial, preparatory phase.

at the dawning

Implies the beginning of a new era or understanding.

in its infancy

Describes something that is in its early stages of development.

at the get-go

Informal way of saying "from the very beginning".

from the word go

Very similar to "at the get-go", emphasizing the start.

FAQs

How can I use "at first indication" in a sentence?

You can use "at first indication" to signal the beginning of something or the first sign of a problem. For example, "At the first indication of rain, we went inside.

What's a more formal alternative to "at first indication"?

A more formal alternative could be "at the onset" or "upon initial observation" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "at first sign" and "at first indication"?

While similar, "at first sign" might imply a more visible or obvious signal, whereas "at first indication" can refer to a more subtle hint or clue.

What can I say instead of "at first indication" to sound less cliché?

Consider using alternatives like "in the early stages", "initially", or "at the outset" for a fresher sound.