can only be indicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can only be indicated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is limited to being shown or pointed out, rather than explained in detail. Example: "The results of the experiment can only be indicated through the data collected, not through subjective interpretation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Yet, Alzheimer or vascular dementia can only be indicated with four digits.

BMC Geriatrics

It is also important to note that not all women report their prior abortions, and hence the number of prior abortions can only be indicated as a minimum estimate.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

For the present, the data can only be regarded as indicating that RRs for studies in older populations may be greater than those in younger populations.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

The literature values from single projects can only be compared if they indicate what cost items are included and what the framing scheme looks like.

Carbon Balance and Management

The Asp residue in the 2nd position of (I/L/V D(S/T G is highly conserved and can only be replaced by Glu, indicating that the negative charge is essential.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Several computational studies showed that by cleaning the noises in the TF binding dataset and applying advanced statistical analysis tools for the identification of differentially expressed genes in the TF knockout effect dataset, the percentage can only be improved to 6%, indicating that data analysis issue is not the main reason that causes this extremely low percentage [ 9- 14].

BMC Systems Biology

Figure 11 shows how Cr, Fe and O are present throughout the particle, while K and S can only be seen in the core, which indicates that they have diffused into the solution.

Geochemical Transactions

Yet, as The Economist indicates, sprawl can only be stopped "forcefully.

Huffington Post

An additional problem in the diagnosis and management of CFS/ME is the persistence of the term "medically unexplained illness", which indicates diagnoses can only be by exclusion and does not allow for a positive diagnosis.

BMC Family Practice

33 As our work indicates, this can only be achieved if some centralised procurement guidance surrounding system accreditation exists, as individual organisations are likely to seek short-term value (while setting up interoperable systems form the start tends to be more costly in the short term).

BMJ Open

In the study, the scientists stuck small objects, between toy soldier and hot-wheel size, in the noses of the chimps, leaving them in until just the point where the body started to grow accustomed to them (early failed trials indicated that benefits can only be achieved if the body is working to breathe around the objects, not adapted to them).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can only be indicated", ensure that the context clearly establishes the limitations or constraints that prevent a more detailed explanation or demonstration. This helps avoid ambiguity and sets appropriate expectations for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "can only be indicated" when more comprehensive information is actually available. Overusing this phrase can diminish the perceived value of the information presented, suggesting a lack of depth when depth exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can only be indicated" functions as a passive construction expressing a limitation on the extent to which something can be demonstrated or specified. It suggests that available information is insufficient for a complete explanation, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can only be indicated" is a passive construction used to express limitations in demonstrating or specifying something fully. Grammatically correct and primarily used in science, news, and academic contexts, it serves to temper expectations about the completeness of information provided. While Ludwig confirms its validity, be mindful of potential overstatement and explore alternatives like ""can only be shown"" or ""can only be suggested"" for nuanced communication. This ensures clarity and avoids misleading impressions about the depth of available information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can only be shown

Replaces 'indicated' with 'shown', emphasizing the visual aspect of demonstrating something.

can only be pointed out

Substitutes 'indicated' with 'pointed out', highlighting the act of drawing attention to something.

can only be suggested

Changes 'indicated' to 'suggested', implying a less direct form of conveying information.

can only be inferred

Replaces 'indicated' with 'inferred', shifting the focus to the act of deducing information.

can only be deduced

Similar to 'inferred' but emphasizes a more logical or reasoned conclusion.

can only be gathered

Indicates that the information is collected or accumulated from various sources.

can only be gleaned

Suggests that information is extracted carefully and slowly from available data.

is limited to being indicated

Adds a framing of limitation to the expression.

is restricted to being indicated

Similar to 'limited to being indicated', focusing on restrictions.

can merely be indicated

Adds an adverb to emphasize that the indication is slight or basic.

FAQs

How can I use "can only be indicated" in a sentence?

You can use "can only be indicated" to show limitations in the information provided. For example, "Due to limited data, the success of the program "can only be indicated" through initial feedback."

What can I say instead of "can only be indicated"?

Alternatives include "can only be shown", "can only be suggested", or "can only be pointed out", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "can only be indicated"?

Use "can only be indicated" when the available evidence or data is insufficient for a complete explanation or definitive conclusion. This is common in preliminary studies or when dealing with incomplete information.

What is the difference between "can only be indicated" and "can be proven"?

"Can only be indicated" implies that there's suggestive evidence, but not definitive proof. On the other hand, "can be proven" suggests that there is solid evidence to support a claim conclusively.