gentle indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gentle indication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to convey a soft or subtle suggestion or hint about something. Example: "Her gentle indication that the meeting was running late was appreciated by everyone in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"A majority have made some sort of gentle indication, a remark like, 'Why don't we talk about extending Jürgen's contract.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A gentle whine is the only indication of the current flowing through the track below, and the main noise we can hear is trucks on the nearby freeway.

BBC

In his encore, before he sang "Kiss from a Rose" — the sweeping mid-'90s ballad that provided some indication of the gentler moves to come — Seal told a story about how he initially hated the song, which felt too safe compared to his house tracks.

Los Angeles Times

One indication of that is the gentle questioning Dr. Carmona received from the Senate health committee.

The New York Times

PAGE C1 OF PROM, PIMPLES AND POLITICS If the new documentary "Frontrunners," about a student body election at a New York City high school, is any indication, American politics could be veering into gentler, less vicious territory.

The New York Times

"Remember, guys — gentle, gentle".

The New York Times

Be gentle, gentle readers.

The Guardian - Sport

Gentle persuasion?

The New York Times

Very gentle.

The New Yorker

Gentle chuckle.

The New York Times - Arts

It was gentle, very gentle".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gentle indication" when you want to convey a subtle suggestion or hint, especially in situations where a direct approach might be inappropriate or impolite. It is useful when encouraging action without being forceful.

Common error

While "gentle indication" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in formal writing where more direct and specific language is preferred. In such contexts, consider using alternatives that clearly state the intended meaning without ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gentle indication" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "gentle" modifies the noun "indication". According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct. It serves to describe a subtle or indirect form of communication or signaling.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gentle indication" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a subtle hint or suggestion. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts and serves to soften a message, making it less direct. While grammatically correct, consider the appropriateness of its usage in formal writing, where more direct language may be preferred. Alternatives such as "subtle suggestion" or "slight hint" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Keep in mind its subtle nature to avoid ambiguity in contexts where clarity is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subtle suggestion

Emphasizes the indirect nature of the suggestion, highlighting its lack of forcefulness.

slight hint

Focuses on the minimal degree of implication, suggesting a very small cue.

mild suggestion

Replaces "indication" with a more common synonym, maintaining the sense of politeness.

soft suggestion

Highlights the gentle manner in which something is implied, focusing on its lack of harshness.

veiled suggestion

Emphasizes the hidden nature of the suggestion, indicating it's not openly expressed.

understated clue

Replaces "indication" with "clue", focusing on the subtle nature of the signal.

tacit signal

Highlights the unspoken aspect of the indication, suggesting it's understood without direct communication.

low-key hint

Stresses the understated and subtle quality of the hint.

delicate clue

Highlights the fragility and subtlety of the clue being offered.

guarded suggestion

Focuses on the cautious manner in which the suggestion is given.

FAQs

How can I use "gentle indication" in a sentence?

You can use "gentle indication" to describe a subtle hint or suggestion. For instance, "Her "gentle indication" that it was time to leave was appreciated by the guests".

What are some alternatives to "gentle indication"?

Alternatives include "subtle suggestion", "slight hint", or "mild suggestion", depending on the context.

Is "gentle indication" a formal or informal phrase?

"Gentle indication" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in news and media than in academic writing.

What does "gentle indication" imply?

"Gentle indication" implies a soft, non-aggressive way of communicating a suggestion or providing a clue, often to avoid being too direct or forceful.