indicate to

USAGE SUMMARY

"indicate to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means "to point out or suggest something to somebody", and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Example sentence: I indicated to my team that we had to start the project right away.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We have indications in the wheel wells that indicate to us what the environment was.

The New York Times

"They did indicate to me that they are having a continuing challenge up there," he said.

The New York Times

It is these signed documents which indicate to the lustraters whether or not someone has collaborated.

The New Yorker

The next time it will indicate to me he's a hothead"..

The New York Times - Sports

"Right now we have nothing to indicate to us that it is bias," Inspector Reznick said.

The New York Times

The Chancellor should indicate to us how he sees the future of the Foundation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Depress twice to indicate to loved ones that you are well and thinking of them.

The New Yorker

What do these new figures indicate to you?

The New York Times

Giant craters on the moon indicate to scientists that even earlier and larger impacts occurred on Earth.

The New York Times

"If he were to back off that stance, it would indicate to some of his supporters he is untruthful.

The New York Times

indicate to me that he didn't feel that it was necessary for him to comment on it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indicate to" when you want to subtly suggest or point out something without being overly assertive. It's useful in situations where directness might be too strong.

Common error

Avoid using "indicate to" when a more direct verb like "tell" or "inform" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily passive or roundabout.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indicate to" functions as a verb phrase used to suggest or point out something indirectly. As Ludwig AI explains, it means to point out or suggest something to somebody. It highlights the act of directing attention to something without necessarily stating it explicitly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indicate to" is a versatile verb phrase used to suggest or point out something indirectly. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase means "to point out or suggest something to somebody", adding that it can be used in both formal and informal contexts. With a neutral register and frequent usage across news and media, science, and wiki sources, it serves as a valuable tool for conveying information subtly. When writing, remember to use "indicate to" when subtlety is key, but avoid overusing it in situations that call for more direct language. Consider alternatives like "suggest to" or "point out to" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggest to

Replaces "indicate" with "suggest", implying a less direct communication.

point out to

Emphasizes the act of drawing attention to something specifically.

signal to

Implies a non-verbal or indirect form of communication.

demonstrate to

Focuses on showing or proving something to someone.

show to

A simpler and more direct way of saying "indicate".

reveal to

Highlights the act of uncovering or disclosing information.

intimate to

Suggests a subtle or indirect way of communicating.

make known to

A more formal way of saying "indicate", emphasizing the act of informing.

convey to

Focuses on the transmission of information.

clarify to

Emphasizes the act of making something clear or understandable.

FAQs

How can I use "indicate to" in a sentence?

You can use "indicate to" when you want to subtly suggest or point something out. For example, "The results "indicate to" us that further research is needed."

What can I say instead of "indicate to"?

You can use alternatives like "suggest to", "point out to", or "signal to" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "indicate to" versus "tell"?

"Indicate to" is suitable when you want to subtly suggest or hint at something, while "tell" is more appropriate when you want to directly inform someone of something. The choice depends on the level of directness required.

Is "indicate to" formal or informal?

"Indicate to" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing.