indicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indicate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to point out, show, or make something known. Example: "The results of the survey indicate a significant increase in customer satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At a news conference last week, Christie said he would continue interviewing his senior staff to determine if there is any other information he needs to know and if he needs to take any further action, but he did not indicate his review would go further than that.

The Guardian

Critics of the system suggest that will simply make the playing field even less level, though the table seems to indicate things are not quite that straightforward.

The Guardian - Sport

The cross is perhaps best known for its Christian symbolism, but it's also a mathematical sign, a Chinese character to indicate the number 10 - and the same in Roman numerals, except that cross is a diagonal X.

The Guardian - Music

Clinton, who retired earlier this year as secretary of state, has not yet said whether she intends to run in 2016 but all the signs indicate that she will, barring an unforeseen event such as a health scare.

The Guardian

These numbers indicate that negative perceptions of risk are having a magnifying effect on the economic fallout from the outbreak.

The Guardian

Or is the only way you get media attention by ripping apart somebody else?" Related: Get to know Bernie Sanders, your latest (socialist!) candidate for president Sanders did say Clinton should indicate her position on the proposed Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal which is dividing Democrats and forcing Obama to depend on Republican support in Congress.

The Guardian

A federal investigation into Brown's death at the hands of white police officer Darren Wilson is ongoing but news reports indicate the case will result in no prosecution.

The Guardian

It is not yet clear how many tourists were on the tower when it collapsed, though reports indicate that several bodies were later extracted from the ruins.

The Guardian

Related: New Scotland polls indicate huge swing from Labour to SNP Make no mistake, Labour's crisis in Scotland is profound.

The Guardian

This has, in recent days, been dismissed by Kenny's minister of finance, Michael Noonan, although another minister in the government did speak out of turn last week and indicate that a bail was possibly on the cards.

The Guardian

The GLA says that the Occupy demonstrations were unauthorised because protesters did not try to contact City Hall, although legal papers indicate that Scotland Yard knew of the protests in advance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indicate" to introduce factual information derived from data or evidence, lending credibility to your statements.

Common error

Avoid using "indicate" as a generic substitute for more precise verbs like "prove", "confirm", or "reveal". This can weaken your writing and obscure the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "indicate" is as a verb. It is used to point out, show, or make something known. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage of the phrase is correct and adaptable across multiple contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indicate" functions as a versatile verb used to point something out or make it known. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound and frequently appears in various contexts such as News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science-related content. When aiming for alternatives, consider options like "suggest", "show", or "point to". As a best practice, use "indicate" to introduce factual information backed by evidence to boost credibility. Avoid overuse and replacing other more precise verbs like "prove" or "confirm". Remember that "indicate" should be followed directly by the information, not "indicate about".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

point to

Highlights a specific direction or focus, often with evidence or clues.

show

Offers a more direct and visible display or demonstration of something.

suggest

Implies a less direct or conclusive pointer, more of a hint or possibility.

demonstrate

Presents a clear and undeniable proof or display of something.

signify

Focuses on the meaning or symbolic value that something represents.

designate

To point out; to discover; to direct to a knowledge of; to show; to make known.

bespeak

Implies something that serves as evidence of something else.

betoken

Similar to 'bespeak', but often with a sense of foretelling or prediction.

argue

Presents a case or reason to believe something based on available information.

hint at

Subtly suggests without directly stating, implying something indirectly.

FAQs

How can I use "indicate" in a sentence?

You can use "indicate" to show something. For example, "The survey results "indicate that" customer satisfaction is high".

What words can I use instead of "indicate"?

Alternatives to "indicate" include "suggest", "show", or "point to" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "indicate about"?

No, the correct usage is "indicate" followed by the information being shown. For example, "The data "indicate that" sales have increased", not "indicate about".

What's the difference between "indicate" and "imply"?

"Indicate" means to directly point something out, while "imply" means to suggest something indirectly. For example, evidence might "indicate" a conclusion, while a speaker might "imply" something through their words.