giving an indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "giving an indication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that something is providing a hint or a sign about a particular situation or outcome. Example: "The weather patterns are giving an indication of a possible storm approaching this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, the weft strength is not sensitive to temperature, giving an indication of anisotropic behavior.

Composite Structures

In addition we describe failure boundaries and system integrity surfaces giving an indication as to likely bounds on forcing amplitudes.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Soon Cook was soon giving an indication why: "We batted better, we bowled better and we fielded better".

The Guardian - Sport

"Funny meeting a strange guy in a bar," he murmurs, giving an indication that he rarely grants interviews.

The Guardian - Music

The mitochondrial activity assay provided good evidences of cells viability on the Gel/MMT CS membranes, giving an indication of possible application as a matrix for tissue engineering.

Reactive and Functional Polymers

This type of model is associated with a conventional available ductility, giving an indication of the maximum deformation beyond which strength degradation is likely to occur.

Journal of Constructional Steel Research

Thompson – who has held the role since 2004 – is currently paid ��671,000, giving an indication of the general belt-tightening for BBC executives.

The Guardian

You may have received a letter from your provider giving an indication of whether it is on target to pay back the loan in full.

The Guardian - Money

Many more were left outside the packed lecture theatre, giving an indication of how important an expert analysis of the ongoing foreign policy crisis remains to British audiences.

The Guardian - Opinion

Moreover, the regions expressed in response to differentiating stimuli were registered, giving an indication of the enhancers and genes important for SC differentiation and fusion to myotubes.

Nature

The monthly snapshot of the market from Rics includes numbers of buyers and sellers in the market, giving an indication of the pressure on future prices.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "giving an indication", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being indicated. Providing specific details or examples enhances clarity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "giving an indication" when the evidence is conclusive or definitive. This phrase implies a hint or suggestion, not a certainty. Choose stronger verbs if the evidence is strong.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "giving an indication" functions as a verbal phrase that suggests something offers a clue or hint about a particular situation or outcome. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show its frequent use in science and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "giving an indication" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to suggest that something offers a clue or hint about a particular situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is appropriate for diverse writing contexts. It is frequently found in scientific and news-related content and serves to alert the audience to a potential outcome without making a definitive claim. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies what is being indicated, and avoid using it when the evidence is conclusive. The phrase's versatility and widespread usage make it a valuable addition to any writer's repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggesting

Focuses on implying something without stating it directly, instead of simply providing a sign.

hinting at

Emphasizes a subtle and indirect indication, different from a clear sign.

pointing to

Highlights the direction or focus of the indication, shifting from the act of giving.

intimating

Conveys a more subtle and delicate form of indication, unlike a straightforward sign.

signaling

Focuses on communicating a specific message or intention through a sign.

demonstrating

Involves a more overt display or proof, compared to a mere indication.

evidencing

Focuses on providing proof or evidence, rather than a simple hint or suggestion.

reflecting

Highlights how something mirrors or shows a particular state or quality.

bearing witness to

Emphasizes the act of providing a testimony or confirmation, differing from a general indication.

offering a clue

Highlights the suggestive and often incomplete nature of the information provided.

FAQs

How can I use "giving an indication" in a sentence?

You can use "giving an indication" to show that something suggests or points to a particular outcome or situation. For instance, "The rising unemployment rate is giving an indication of an economic slowdown."

What are some alternatives to "giving an indication"?

Some alternatives include "suggesting", "hinting at", or "pointing to", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "giving an indication of" or "indicating"?

"Giving an indication of" is a more descriptive phrase, while "indicating" is more direct and concise. The choice depends on the desired level of detail and formality.

What is the difference between "giving an indication" and "providing proof"?

"Giving an indication" suggests a hint or suggestion, whereas "providing proof" offers solid evidence or confirmation. The former is less conclusive than the latter.