early indication of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "early indication of" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to preliminary signs or signals that suggest a particular outcome or trend. For example, "The data provides an early indication of potential market changes." Alternative expressions include "preliminary sign of" and "initial evidence of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What will be an early indication of the administration's direction?

The New York Times

An early indication of his sincerity will be his choices for key posts at his department.

The New York Times

[It] is a stunning early indication of the government's commitment to reducing child obesity".

The Guardian

Together they offer an early indication of the potential impact of certification.

The Guardian

Having an early indication of a child's gestation can make a vital difference in these circumstances.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But it was an early indication of what was to come.

The Guardian

The meeting will be an early indication of the various groups' ability to reach a compromise.

The New York Times

Cormann's declaration is being taken in WA as an early indication of Hockey's call.

The Guardian

The figures are an early indication of the power of the presidency to raise money.

The New York Times

One of the elder Bhagsen brothers, Bhimi Ram, was an early indication of this change.

The New York Times

The composition of the committee will be an early indication of its prospects.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "early indication of" with verbs that convey caution or tentativeness, such as 'suggests', 'implies', or 'may indicate' to avoid overstating the certainty of the prediction.

Common error

Avoid presenting an "early indication of" as definitive proof. It's a preliminary sign, not a conclusive fact. Use qualifiers to maintain appropriate levels of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "early indication of" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a sign or signal that something is likely to happen or be the case. The usage of this term follows standard grammatical rules and is well documented according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "early indication of" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a preliminary sign or signal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used in various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. It is important to note that while the phrase suggests a potential trend or outcome, it should not be presented as definitive proof. Instead, use qualifiers to maintain appropriate levels of certainty and avoid overstating the significance of the initial sign.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary sign of

This alternative focuses on the initial and tentative nature of the sign.

initial evidence of

This emphasizes the evidentiary aspect, suggesting the beginning of proof.

first hint of

This suggests a subtle and indirect clue about something.

nascent sign of

This emphasizes that the sign is just beginning to emerge or develop.

incipient signal of

Highlights the beginning stage of a development or process.

dawning realization of

This emphasizes the gradual awakening or understanding of something.

precursor to

This indicates something that precedes and suggests what is to come.

early manifestation of

This focuses on the outward appearance or display of something.

leading indicator of

This term is more specific to predictive analysis, suggesting a variable that predicts future trends.

harbinger of

This suggests something that foreshadows a future event, often with a sense of foreboding.

FAQs

How can I use "early indication of" in a sentence?

You can use "early indication of" to introduce a preliminary sign or symptom that suggests a particular outcome or trend. For example, "The increase in website traffic is an "early indication of" growing customer interest."

What are some alternatives to "early indication of"?

Alternatives include "preliminary sign of", "initial evidence of", or "first hint of". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "early indication of" in formal writing?

Yes, "early indication of" is suitable for formal writing. It's a neutral phrase that clearly communicates the presence of a preliminary sign or signal. Ludwig examples show that the expression is adequate for use in different writing styles.

What's the difference between "early indication of" and "leading indicator of"?

While both phrases suggest a predictive relationship, "early indication of" is more general and can apply to various contexts. "Leading indicator of" is typically used in economic or statistical contexts to refer to a specific variable that predicts future trends.