could indicate that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could indicate that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you believe something to be true, yet it is uncertain. For example: The unusually large increase in demand for the product could indicate that the company is pursuing a successful marketing campaign.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This could indicate that wnt2 is required shortly after synapse formation to regulate NMJ growth.

Plosone

It could indicate that something is wrong.

Independent

That could indicate that the company's annual numbers were accurate.

The New York Times

This could indicate that RBS faces further fines from global regulators.

The Guardian - Business

That, he said, could indicate that an energy emergency lies ahead.

The New York Times

Officials say that weaponry could indicate that the couple were planning more attacks.

The New York Times

Dinner's runaway success could indicate that the three-course meal is not yet dead.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"That could indicate that part of the engine has detached, a blade has come out".

The Guardian

The Sherron Watkins letter could indicate that Vinson & Elkins has a lot to be nervous about".

The New York Times

That higher yield could indicate that the fund is investing in riskier securities.

The New York Times

That could indicate that the family is preparing to move to Serbia, one local journalist said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could indicate that" when you want to express a possible, but not definite, relationship between two events or pieces of information. This softens the claim, acknowledging uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "could indicate that" when stronger evidence warrants a more definitive statement. Overusing it can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could indicate that" serves as a modal hedge, softening claims and expressing possibility rather than certainty. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in drawing inferences from data or observations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could indicate that" is a versatile phrase used to express a possible connection or implication between events or information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its primary function is to introduce a tentative explanation or interpretation, acknowledging uncertainty. Commonly found in both News & Media and scientific writing, the phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone. Remember, it's best used when you want to express a possibility without making a definitive claim, and avoid overusing it when stronger evidence is available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might suggest that

Replaces "could indicate" with "might suggest", emphasizing a less assertive inference.

may imply that

Substitutes "could indicate" with "may imply", highlighting the indirect nature of the suggestion.

potentially signifies that

Uses "potentially signifies" instead of "could indicate", adding a layer of formality and emphasis on potential meaning.

seems to suggest that

Replaces "could indicate" with "seems to suggest", focusing on the apparent implication based on available information.

it's possible that this shows

This alternative emphasizes the possibility of a particular demonstration, differing slightly in tone from the original phrase.

this hints at the possibility that

By using "hints at the possibility", the phrase suggests a subtle clue rather than a direct indication.

one interpretation might be that

This phrase introduces a subjective viewpoint, suggesting one of several potential interpretations.

this may be evidence of

Using "may be evidence of" shifts the focus to the suggestive nature of the information as proof or verification.

it is suggestive of

This is a more concise and formal way of saying something gives a slight indication.

this gives reason to believe that

This implies a logical basis for the belief, moving away from the simple suggestion of the original.

FAQs

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

Use "could indicate that" to suggest a potential relationship or implication. For example, "The drop in sales could indicate that customers are switching to a competitor".

What phrases are similar to "could indicate that"?

Alternatives include "might suggest that", "may imply that", or "potentially signifies that". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "could indicate that" or "indicates that"?

"Could indicate that" implies uncertainty or possibility, while "indicates that" suggests a stronger, more direct relationship. Choose based on the strength of the evidence you're presenting.

What's the difference between "could indicate that" and "suggests that"?

"Could indicate that" is slightly more tentative than "suggests that". Both imply a connection, but "suggests that" carries a bit more weight.