be indicative of a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be indicative of a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that something serves as a sign or indication of something else. Example: "The increase in temperature may be indicative of a changing climate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It can be indicative of a property that is unusually difficult to unload," he said.

The New York Times

And, worryingly, it could also be indicative of a poorly structured and inefficient organisation.

The Guardian

An anomalous current density or gradient may be indicative of a subsurface structural feature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fact that the firm made it available on Android first would not be indicative of a closed strategy.

The Economist

The delay's might not be indicative of a sales leader.

TechCrunch

However, the hack does not appear to be indicative of a wider breach of Indiegogo security.

TechCrunch

This might be indicative of a steady-state topography where rock uplift is balanced by denudation.

Earth and Planetary Science Letters

This phenomenon may be indicative of a separate amorphous lactose phase.

Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis

We take this to be indicative of a vapour-liquid solid (vapour-liquid solidsm [13].

Nanoscale Research Letters

Increasing mortality rates may be indicative of a forest under stress (van Mantgem et al. 2009).

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

Experts agree that the WSU and Adam University cases may be indicative of a broader trend.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be indicative of a", ensure that the relationship between the subject and what it indicates is clear and logical to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be indicative of a" when the connection is merely a possibility rather than a strong suggestion. Use qualifiers like 'may' or 'could' to soften the claim if the evidence is not conclusive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be indicative of a" functions as a linking expression. It connects a subject with a characteristic or potential consequence, suggesting that the subject serves as a sign or indication of something else. Ludwig AI examples show its use in various contexts, confirming its linking function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be indicative of a" is a versatile expression used to suggest that something serves as a sign or indication of something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very common across various domains, particularly in scientific and news contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the relationship between the subject and what it indicates is clear and logical, and avoid overstating the implication if the evidence is not conclusive. Alternatives like "be suggestive of a" or "be symptomatic of a" may be suitable depending on the context. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "be indicative of a" in your writing to convey nuanced relationships between different elements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be suggestive of a

Suggests something by association; less direct than being indicative.

be symptomatic of a

Specifically implies being a symptom or sign of a condition or problem.

be reflective of a

Implies mirroring or representing something else.

be evidence of a

Indicates that something serves as proof or support for a claim.

be a sign of a

A straightforward way to indicate that something represents or signals something else.

be a clue to a

Suggests a hint or piece of information leading to a better understanding.

be a demonstration of a

Suggests that the thing being indicative of is being clearly shown or proved.

be a manifestation of a

Implies that the thing being indicative of is an embodiment or expression of something else.

be an expression of a

The phrase suggests that the item is indicative as it clearly represents something.

be a token of a

Token suggests that the phrase is a small thing representative of a larger aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "be indicative of a" in a sentence?

You can use "be indicative of a" to suggest that something serves as a sign or indication of something else. For example, "The increase in errors may "be indicative of a" system failure".

What phrases are similar to "be indicative of a"?

Similar phrases include "be suggestive of a", "be symptomatic of a", and "be reflective of a". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "be indicative of" or "indicate"?

"Be indicative of" is a more descriptive and nuanced way to express that something serves as a sign or symptom, while "indicate" is more direct. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and detail.

What's the difference between "be indicative of a" and "be a sign of a"?

"Be indicative of a" is slightly more formal and suggests a deeper connection, while "be a sign of a" is more general and can refer to a more superficial or obvious connection.