can indicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can indicate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that suggests or points to a particular conclusion or meaning. Example: "The results of the experiment can indicate a significant correlation between the two variables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Shadows can indicate the time of day.

The Economist

The shrine syndrome can indicate other problems.

The New York Times

Rising inventory can indicate a weakening market.

The New York Times

Customers can indicate whether they will accept substitutions.

The New York Times

It can indicate infection with a bacteria called Pseudomonas.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We can indicate, pinpoint, what are the real important things.

The New York Times

High-proof pucker, on the other hand, can indicate spoilage.

The New Yorker

(The particles resemble calcium deposits, which can indicate cancer).

The New York Times - Health

In fact, rising prices can indicate improving economic conditions.

The New York Times

The gene can indicate a predisposing genetic risk for Alzheimer's.

The New York Times - Health

The metal particles resemble calcium deposits, which can indicate cancer.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing scientifically, follow this sentence order: Start with cause, write "can indicate", end with effect.

Common error

Avoid using "can indicate" when a stronger, more definitive term like "proves" or "demonstrates" is more appropriate based on the evidence. "Can indicate" suggests a possibility, not a certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can indicate" functions as a modal verb construction used to express possibility or potential. The modal verb "can" modifies the verb "indicate", suggesting that something has the ability or potential to point towards or suggest something else. Ludwig's data shows many examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

26%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can indicate" is a versatile tool for suggesting potential relationships or implications without asserting certainty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it sees frequent use across various fields, particularly in news, science, and general informational writing, reflecting its broad applicability and neutral tone. When using "can indicate", remember to consider the strength of the evidence and avoid overstating the connection. Alternatives like "may suggest" or "might imply" can offer more subtle nuances, enhancing the precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may suggest

Replaces the certainty of "can" with a possibility, implying less confidence.

might imply

Similar to 'may suggest', but focuses on the indirect communication of a meaning.

could signify

Emphasizes the symbolic meaning or representation of something.

tends to reveal

Highlights a pattern of disclosure or discovery.

serves to illustrate

Focuses on the function of clarifying or providing an example.

helps to determine

Highlights that the phrase is useful in a decision process.

is suggestive of

Indicates something indirectly and subtly.

intimates that

Implies something delicately or subtly.

points towards

Highlights the directional aspect of indication.

hint at

Suggests something in a subtle and indirect way.

FAQs

How can I use "can indicate" in a sentence?

You can use "can indicate" to suggest a potential relationship or connection between two things. For example, "Rising prices "can indicate" improving economic conditions".

What are some alternatives to "can indicate"?

Some alternatives to "can indicate" include "may suggest", "might imply", or "could signify". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate: "can indicate" or "proves"?

"Can indicate" is used when something suggests a possibility, while "proves" implies certainty. Use "can indicate" when there's a potential relationship, and "proves" when there's definitive evidence.

In what contexts is "can indicate" most commonly used?

"Can indicate" is frequently used in news reporting, scientific research, and informational writing to suggest potential connections or implications. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it's frequent in science and news reporting.