clearly indicate

USAGE SUMMARY

"clearly indicate" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the phrase to describe something that is readily apparent or easy to understand. For example, "The data clearly indicate that the new policy has been successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reports from our security services clearly indicate that drone warfare has not reduced the threat.

The Guardian

The results of that experiment clearly indicate that it was a miserable failure on all counts".

The Guardian - Opinion

"If allegations do not clearly indicate sexual abuse, a gray area exists," he wrote to them.

The New Yorker

As long as you clearly indicate what the sponsor's interest is, it's not a problem.

The New York Times

But they clearly indicate growing confidence in the government's ability to manage health care.

The New York Times - Health

"That does clearly indicate a maladaptive pattern of behavior," she said.

The New York Times

"But their tactics clearly indicate that they are not neutral on the issue of biotechnology".

The New York Times

Among Mozart's piano sonatas, there are also some that clearly indicate an orchestral imagination.

The Guardian - Books

Real-world pressures can overwhelm someone who has spent half his life locked up, as recidivism rates clearly indicate.

The New York Times

Usually this involves disputing the accuracy of the surface temperature record, given that the data clearly indicate rapid warming.

The Guardian

They said the budget did not clearly indicate the costs of unemployment insurance or retirement pay that would result.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clearly indicate", ensure that the evidence or data you are presenting genuinely supports the indication without ambiguity. Avoid overstating the strength of the indication if the evidence is not definitive.

Common error

Avoid using "clearly indicate" when the evidence is circumstantial or open to interpretation. Instead, opt for phrases like "suggest" or "imply" to convey a more nuanced level of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clearly indicate" functions as a verb phrase used to express that something is easily understood or obvious based on the available information. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples show its function in conveying the message that data or results provide an obvious understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clearly indicate" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is obvious or easily understood from given information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings. This phrase functions to assert a strong connection between evidence and a conclusion, with a register that leans towards neutral but can adapt to more formal or scientific tones. While "clearly indicate" is widely used, it's important to ensure that the evidence genuinely supports the indication to avoid overstating the connection. Alternatives like "unequivocally demonstrate" or "explicitly reveal" can be used to modulate the emphasis depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unequivocally demonstrate

Emphasizes a lack of ambiguity, making the demonstration even stronger than a simple indication.

definitively show

Suggests a conclusive demonstration, leaving no room for doubt or alternative interpretations.

explicitly reveal

Focuses on the direct and overt unveiling of information, differing slightly from a mere indication.

conclusively prove

Implies a stronger level of certainty and validation than just indicating something.

strongly suggest

Offers a less forceful assertion compared to "clearly indicate", implying a high probability without absolute certainty.

evidently suggest

Share similar meaning but emphasizes the obvious nature of the suggestion.

distinctly point to

Changes the structure while maintaining similar sense but focusing on directing attention.

categorically state

Shifts the focus to an assertive declaration, rather than an implication through evidence.

unmistakably signal

Uses "signal" which focuses on communication, differing slightly in connotation.

patently confirm

Highlights the undeniable nature of the confirmation, stressing its obviousness.

FAQs

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

Use "clearly indicate" to show that something is easily understood or obvious from the available information. For example, "The results "clearly indicate" a need for further research".

What are some alternatives to "clearly indicate"?

You can use alternatives such as "unequivocally demonstrate", "definitively show", or "explicitly reveal" to express similar meanings depending on the context.

Is it better to say "clearly indicate" or "strongly suggest"?

"Clearly indicate" implies a stronger and more obvious connection, while "strongly suggest" implies a possible connection that is not as certain. The choice depends on the strength of the evidence you are presenting.

What's the difference between "clearly indicate" and "clearly demonstrate"?

"Clearly indicate" suggests something is evident without needing proof, while "clearly demonstrate" implies that something has been proven through action or evidence. "The data "clearly indicate" a trend", whereas experiments "clearly demonstrate" the process.