good indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good indication" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to describe something that suggests a good outcome. For example, "The increasing number of customers is a good indication that the new product is a success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

So that was a pretty good indication.

The New York Times

But today was a good indication"...

The New York Times - Sports

"I think it's a good indication of how everything went".

The New York Times

"This is a good indication that we've been effective".

The New York Times

Thirst is a good indication of the need to drink.

The New York Times - Sports

In the distance, we saw seabirds circling - a good indication of whales ahead.

The Guardian

That is a good indication he is the leading candidate to pitch Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a good indication of what kind of physical condition you're in".

The New York Times - Health

I suppose, for me, that's a good indication of how seriously they took it," she said.

The Guardian - Books

Researchers may assume that soil type gives a good indication of the prevailing climate.

The Guardian

"It's a good indication that we should be able to put together a similar government".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "good indication", ensure the context clearly specifies what it indicates. For example, instead of saying "That's a good indication", specify "That's a good indication that the project will succeed".

Common error

Avoid using "good indication" without providing specific context. Vague statements like "The numbers are a good indication" can lack impact. Instead, specify what the numbers indicate: "The increasing sales numbers are a good indication of growing customer demand".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good indication" functions as a noun phrase often used to describe a signal or a piece of information that suggests a particular outcome or condition. As supported by Ludwig, this expression is used to present something as a favorable predictor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "good indication" is a frequently used phrase to suggest a positive outlook or favorable prediction based on available information. Grammatically correct and versatile, this term is frequently employed in news, science, and business contexts. While "good indication" is correct, providing specific context enhances clarity. According to Ludwig, this phrase serves to reassure and express optimism. Related phrases include "positive sign" and "promising indicator". Remember to clearly specify what the "good indication" points to for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

positive predictor

More directly states that the phrase forecasts a positive outcome.

promising indicator

Emphasizes the potential for a favorable outcome.

suggestive evidence

Highlights the potential for an inference or prediction to be drawn.

positive sign

Focuses on the optimistic aspect, rather than the predictive nature.

hopeful prospect

Focuses on the potential and anticipation of a positive result.

encouraging sign

Highlights the boost in confidence that the sign provides.

reassuring signal

Indicates a sense of comfort and certainty.

grounds for optimism

Shifts the emphasis to the reasons behind feeling positive.

favorable omen

Suggests a more traditional or superstitious view of future events.

auspicious development

Suggests that the development is a sign of future success.

FAQs

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

You can use "good indication" to suggest something is likely to happen or that something is true. For example, "The early test results are a "good indication" that the treatment will be effective".

What can I say instead of "good indication"?

Alternatives to "good indication" include "positive sign", "promising indicator", or "encouraging sign". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify what "good indication" refers to?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what the "good indication" is referring to improves clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "That's a "good indication"", it's better to say "That's a "good indication" that the project is on track".

What's the difference between "good indication" and "good evidence"?

"Good indication" suggests something is likely, while "good evidence" suggests something is true based on concrete facts. "The rising temperature is a "good indication" of climate change", whereas "The ice core samples provide "good evidence" of climate change".