have an indication

USAGE SUMMARY

"have an indication" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a sign or suggestion of something. Example: "The data have an indication of a trend in consumer behavior." Alternative expressions include "show a sign," "provide a hint," and "suggest a clue."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thus, through BROAD-RSI, users have an indication of the number of people who have indicated or approved certain resource.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

"We have an indication the plane went down in the Indian Ocean," the senior official said.

The Guardian

"We have an indication that up to 70% of 18-24s turned out.

The Guardian

We only contact people where we have an indication that information may be incorrect.

Independent

You now have an indication of wherever he or she is getting that point, and of data quality and verification.

Cornell University

And after he suggested he might last week, we again have an indication that he might not.

The Washington Post

The researchers say that within two years, they will have an indication about whether any of the drugs are working.

The New York Times - Magazine

Out of the comparator, we basically have an indication of what the difference is, and that represents an error between the desired and the true angle.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is therefore important to have an indication of the change in the coupling beam design parameters at an early stage of the design.

Procedia Engineering

"We can start to have an indication of how the acidity balances with the sweetness and different levels of flavour compounds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We do not have an indication that they were planning specific things beyond this attack, although that information is still evolving".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have an indication", ensure that the context clearly specifies what the indication refers to. Vague references can lead to misinterpretations. For example, instead of "We have an indication", specify "We have an indication that the project is on track".

Common error

Avoid using "have an indication" when you actually possess concrete proof or definitive evidence. An indication is a hint or suggestion, not a confirmation. For instance, do not say "We have an indication that the suspect is guilty" if you have irrefutable evidence; instead, state "We have proof that the suspect is guilty".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have an indication" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It signifies possessing or receiving a sign, hint, or suggestion that something is the case. Ludwig's examples reveal usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

42%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have an indication" is a versatile verb phrase used to express the presence of a sign or hint. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across varied contexts. Its frequency in scientific and news sources indicates its reliability in conveying subtle suggestions. When using this phrase, remember to avoid overstating its strength, reserving it for situations where you possess hints rather than concrete evidence. Ludwig offers several alternatives, such as "show a sign" or "offer a hint", depending on your desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show a sign

A direct and simple way of saying there's evidence of something.

provide a clue

Highlights the role of the indication as a piece of evidence that helps in understanding a situation.

offer a hint

Similar to 'provide a clue', but suggests a more subtle and less direct sign.

suggest a possibility

Emphasizes the potential or likelihood of something, shifting the focus from a mere sign to a potential outcome.

imply the presence of

Suggests the existence of something without explicitly stating it.

demonstrate evidence of

More formal and emphatic, stressing the proof or support for a claim.

point to the likelihood

Specifically directs attention to the probability of an event or situation occurring.

denote a trend

Indicates a pattern or direction, often used in statistical or analytical contexts.

present some evidence

Focuses on the act of offering information that suggests something is true.

give a signal

Implies a more active or intentional communication of information.

FAQs

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

You can use "have an indication" to suggest a sign or hint of something. For example: "The data "show a sign" that consumer behavior is changing" or "We "provide a clue" that the missing file is located on that server".

What's a good alternative to "have an indication"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "suggest a possibility", "offer a hint", or "point to the likelihood". Choose the phrase that best conveys the level of certainty and the specific meaning you intend.

Is it appropriate to use "have an indication" in formal writing?

Yes, "have an indication" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a neutral phrase that doesn't carry strong connotations. However, ensure that your usage is precise and that the context is clear. Stronger alternatives, such as "demonstrate" or "prove", may be more suitable if you have conclusive evidence.

What is the difference between "have an indication" and "have evidence"?

"Have an indication" implies a suggestion or hint, while "have evidence" suggests a stronger, more concrete basis for a claim. "We "demonstrate evidence of" fraud" suggests definitive proof, whereas "We "imply the presence of" fraud" implies a suspicion based on limited information.