had indicated that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had indicated that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that was previously stated or suggested by someone, often in a formal context. Example: "The report had indicated that the project would be completed ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

General Otto's report said intercepted communications had indicated that might be the case.

The New York Times

Earlier accounts had indicated that Officer Ridley was shot twice.

The New York Times

He said he had indicated that in announcing his candidacy.

The New York Times

Mr Doyle had indicated that he would sign the bill.

The Economist

Leading up to the election, polls had indicated that Mr. Kerry was the more popular candidate.

The New York Times

Mrs. Monroe was told that her responses had indicated that she was not telling the truth.

The New York Times

Mr. Verhoef said it had indicated that Compass would be for military use.

The New York Times

Park had indicated that she was willing to accept the now scrapped proposal, Chung added.

The Guardian

Polls had indicated that the electorate was dissatisfied with both men and wanted a different choice.

The New York Times

31, but even before Groh's departure he had indicated that he would return to the franchise.

The New York Times - Sports

Prior communications had indicated that "flexibility" was expected only of the Iranians.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had indicated that", ensure the context clearly identifies who made the indication and what they indicated. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "had indicated that" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal. Simpler alternatives like "said" or "mentioned" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had indicated that" functions as a reporting verb construction. It introduces a subordinate clause that conveys information previously suggested or stated. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had indicated that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for reporting prior statements or suggestions. Ludwig AI confirms this. While common in formal contexts such as News & Media and Science, it should be used judiciously in informal settings. Alternatives such as "had suggested that" or "had stated that" can provide nuanced variations. Understanding the context and audience ensures effective communication. The phrase's high frequency and authoritative sources underscore its reliability in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had suggested that

Replaces "indicated" with a more casual term implying a less direct statement.

had implied that

Focuses on indirect communication, where the message is suggested without being explicitly stated.

had stated that

Emphasizes a formal and direct declaration, differing slightly in tone.

had mentioned that

Implies a brief or passing reference, less formal than "indicated".

had conveyed that

Similar to communicated, but often implies a more purposeful transmission of information.

had shown that

Shifts the focus to evidence or proof rather than a verbal indication.

had communicated that

Broadens the scope to any form of communication, not necessarily a direct statement.

had expressed that

Highlights the articulation of a thought or feeling, rather than a simple statement of fact.

had revealed that

Suggests uncovering something previously unknown, adding a sense of discovery.

had signaled that

Uses a metaphorical term for indication, often implying a non-verbal or subtle communication.

FAQs

How can I use "had indicated that" in a sentence?

Use "had indicated that" to report on a previous statement or suggestion made by someone. For example, "The report "had indicated that" sales would increase in the next quarter".

What are some alternatives to "had indicated that"?

You can use alternatives like "had suggested that", "had stated that", or "had mentioned that" depending on the context.

Is "had indicated that" formal or informal?

"Had indicated that" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, or journalistic writing. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be preferable.

What's the difference between "had indicated that" and "had implied that"?

"Had indicated that" refers to a direct or indirect statement, while "had implied that" suggests that the message was conveyed indirectly, without being explicitly stated. The former is more direct than the latter.