indicated they

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indicated they" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a source or subject that has expressed or shown something, typically in a report or analysis context. Example: "The survey results indicated they preferred online shopping over in-store purchases."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Girardi indicated they would not.

The New York Times - Sports

Some players indicated they might play overseas.

The New York Times - Sports

Leaders in Parliament indicated they would appeal.

The New York Times

Other reports indicated they were selling trinkets.

The Guardian

For students who indicated they accepted a position.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

No one indicated they would judge by body language alone.

Princeton University

"They indicated they wanted to negotiate a release".

The New York Times

The brothers have indicated they will seek hefty damages.

The Guardian

City attorneys indicated they may appeal against Lynch's ruling.

The Guardian

Prosecutors indicated they wanted to try Mr. Melton again.

The New York Times

Some rebel leaders in Donetsk have indicated they will.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indicated they" when you want to convey information that has been indirectly shown by a source.

Common error

Avoid using "indicated they" when the information was explicitly stated. Use "stated", "said", or "declared" instead. "Indicated" suggests a more subtle or indirect conveyance of information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indicated they" functions as a reporting verb phrase. It introduces a reported clause, signaling that the information following it is derived from a particular source. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in conveying information from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "indicated they" is a versatile reporting verb phrase used to convey information or intentions indirectly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When writing, it's important to differentiate its nuanced meaning from direct statements by avoiding the use of this phrase when more explicit language is more appropriate. Related phrases like "suggested they" or "stated they" can be used to adjust the level of directness and formality. Remembering these tips will help you use the phrase effectively and accurately in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggested they

Implies a less direct conveyance of information or intention than "indicated they".

noted they

Focuses on the act of observation and recording of information.

stated they

Emphasizes a formal or explicit declaration.

expressed they

Highlights the communication of feelings or opinions.

mentioned they

Implies a casual or brief reference.

revealed they

Suggests the uncovering of previously hidden information.

reported they

Focuses on the act of conveying information to a wider audience.

implied they

Indicates a subtle or indirect suggestion, rather than a direct statement.

signified they

Emphasizes the use of a sign or symbol to communicate meaning.

communicated they

Broadly refers to the act of conveying information or ideas.

FAQs

How can I use "indicated they" in a sentence?

The phrase "indicated they" is used to show that a subject has conveyed information indirectly. For example, "The results "indicated they" preferred option A" suggests that the preference was shown through the results, not explicitly stated.

What's a more formal alternative to "indicated they"?

For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "stated they", "reported they", or "revealed they" to convey a similar meaning with greater emphasis on the explicitness of the communication.

What's the difference between "indicated they" and "suggested they"?

"Indicated they" implies a clearer, more discernible conveyance of information, while "suggested they" implies a subtler, less direct conveyance. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to follow "indicated" with "they"?

No, "indicated" can be followed by other pronouns or nouns depending on the subject. For instance, "the report indicated it" or "the study indicated a need for further research" are also grammatically correct.