gave no indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gave no indication" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to convey that someone or something did not show any sign or hint of a particular action or feeling. Example: Despite repeated questioning, she gave no indication of her true feelings about the situation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He gave no indication.

The New York Times

But he gave no indication".

The New York Times

He gave no indication anything was wrong.

The New York Times - Sports

Matherat gave no indication when a decision might be taken.

The Guardian - Business

It gave no indication how long this would take.

The New York Times

Harper gave no indication about the Watchman book.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Mueller's prosecutors gave no indication about why he lied.

The New York Times

Democrats gave no indication that they would back down.

The New York Times

But GAF gave no indication of its plans yesterday.

The New York Times

He gave no indication of when the court might rule.

The New York Times

Mubarak gave no indication that he understood the message.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gave no indication" to objectively describe the absence of observable signs or hints, avoiding speculation or personal interpretation.

Common error

Avoid assuming intent or hidden meaning simply because someone "gave no indication". The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence; further investigation may be needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gave no indication" functions as a descriptive element, typically within a sentence to express the absence of any observable sign, hint, or clue. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gave no indication" is a versatile and commonly used expression, primarily employed to denote the absence of any apparent sign or clue regarding a subject's intentions, feelings, or knowledge. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, its register leans towards neutral. When employing this phrase, remember to focus on objective description and avoid making unwarranted assumptions based solely on the absence of indications. Consider related phrases like "showed no sign" or "offered no hint" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

showed no sign

Emphasizes the absence of outward signs or signals.

offered no hint

Highlights the lack of subtle clues or suggestions.

displayed no evidence

Focuses on the absence of supporting facts or proof.

provided no clue

Stresses the lack of information that could lead to a solution or understanding.

betrayed nothing

Indicates a complete lack of outward expression or revelation of inner thoughts.

revealed nothing

Implies a lack of disclosure or making something known.

did not suggest

Focuses on the absence of a hint or implication.

expressed no feeling

Highlights the absence of outward emotional display.

made no mention

Emphasizes the lack of any verbal reference or acknowledgement.

failed to demonstrate

Focuses on the lack of ability or effort to show something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "gave no indication" in a sentence?

You can replace "gave no indication" with phrases like "showed no sign", "offered no hint", or "displayed no evidence" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone "gave no indication"?

It means the person didn't show any sign, hint, or clue about their intentions, feelings, or knowledge concerning a particular matter.

Is it appropriate to use "gave no indication" in formal writing?

Yes, "gave no indication" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reports, academic papers, and professional documents, as it provides an objective description of a lack of observable signs.

What's the difference between "gave no indication" and "gave no reason"?

"Gave no indication" suggests a lack of observable signs or hints, while "gave no reason" means a person did not provide an explanation for their actions or decisions.