indicates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indicates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to point out or show something, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "The data indicates a significant increase in sales over the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There weren't nearly enough seats, which indicates a Lib Dem commitment to providing their own electoral metaphors.

The Guardian

Although a growing body of evidence, including interviews with Russian soldiers, indicates that Moscow has sent active-duty troops and equipment to support the pro-Russia rebels over the past year, the president, Vladimir Putin, continues to deny his forces' participation in the conflict.

The Guardian

"Insurers work on the basis that having an accident indicates that you are a risk proposition," Pratt says.

The Guardian - Money

Related: Projected SNP landslide could see it form part of next UK government The poll by Lord Ashcroft – which is of a series of parliamentary seats across Britain – indicates that the SNP, led by Nicola Sturgeon, could win 56 of Scotland's 59 parliamentary seats, according to the veteran polling analyst Mike Smithson.

The Guardian

As before (Free) means fully free, while (Free + IAP) indicates use of in-app purchases.

The Guardian - Tech

When the light goes green, he explains, it means that part of the body is fine, but if it goes orange it indicates a problem.

The Guardian

His written prose, including many sensible reviews were more normal but his verse, which shows some influence of A E Housman who taught him at Cambridge, clearly indicates the romantic urge driving him.

The Guardian

The email indicates that a small group of senior staff are to examine the effect of a Brexit under the authority of Sir Jon Cunliffe, who as deputy director for financial stability has responsibility for monitoring the risk of another market crash.

The Guardian - Business

It is a measure of the extent to which Cameron needs Clegg to survive that his next best hope is Ed Davey If Clegg remains in the game, and the latest Guardian/ICM poll indicates he will, he and Cameron can get to work.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some research indicates that if the mesolimbic pathway is frequently over-stimulated by sleep deprivation, there could be permanent brain damage.

The Guardian

There was a recall for Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand was fit to make his first appearance since May and Smalling was allowed his first start after the summer move from Fulham; the clean sheet indicates that his inclusion was no handicap.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indicates" when you want to present information as suggestive but not definitive. It's suitable for academic, scientific, or formal writing where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "indicates" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "shows" or "suggests" often sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "indicates" is as a verb used in the third-person singular present tense. It connects a subject with evidence or signs that point to a particular conclusion or state. Ludwig shows that this usage is grammatically correct and common in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "indicates" is a versatile verb frequently used to suggest a connection between evidence and a conclusion, as determined by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and especially common in News & Media sources and applicable in Science and Formal & Business contexts as well. Ludwig AI also validates its proper usage. While "indicates" is appropriate for professional and academic writing, it's best to use simpler alternatives like "suggests" or "shows" in informal settings. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "indicates" to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shows

Directly displays or makes evident; more straightforward than "indicates".

suggests

Implies something without stating it directly; less forceful than "indicates".

demonstrates

Clearly proves or shows; often used in more formal contexts.

signals

Gives a sign or indication; implies a potential future event or state.

points to

Suggests a direction or conclusion; less direct than "indicates".

is evidence of

Serves as proof or confirmation of something; more emphatic than "indicates".

implies

Suggests indirectly or subtly; often involves an unspoken conclusion.

reveals

Makes something known that was previously hidden; emphasizes discovery.

betokens

Serves as a sign or warning of something; more formal and literary.

argues

Presents evidence to support a claim; more assertive than "indicates".

FAQs

How can I use "indicates" in a sentence?

Use "indicates" when you want to suggest something based on evidence or observations, such as, "The study "suggests" a correlation between diet and health".

What are some alternatives to "indicates"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "suggests", "shows", "demonstrates", or "points to".

Is it better to say "indicates" or "proves"?

"Indicates" suggests evidence, while "proves" claims definitive confirmation. Use "indicates" when the evidence supports a conclusion but doesn't guarantee it, and "proves" when the evidence leaves no doubt. For example, "The data indicates an increase in sales", versus, "This experiment proves the theory".

What's the difference between "indicates" and "implies"?

"Indicates" means to point out or show directly, while "implies" means to suggest something indirectly. The evidence "indicates" a rise in temperature and This report "implies" further investigation is needed.