indicates a subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indicates a subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing grammar, writing, or analysis to refer to a word or phrase that identifies the main topic or focus of a sentence. Example: "In the sentence 'The cat sleeps on the mat,' the word 'cat' indicates a subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A dot point indicates a subject selected for the sample.

BioMed Research International

The terminal qualifier "/" also indicates a subject heading.

BMC Health Services Research

The "sh" field qualifier indicates a subject heading search.

BMC Health Services Research

Since that time, LTBI indicates a subject with TB infection without progression to active TB.

BMC Infectious Diseases

This gives an equation for the "orthodox view", E V (u ) ∝ R 1 + k ⋅ T (u ) 2 Φ (1 σ ⋅ | u | ) − | u | 2, where the parameter k indicates a subject's temporal discount rate and σ denotes their motor noise.

Current Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Historically, fragmentation has been used as a troubling effect, or to indicate a subject under stress.

The Guardian - Books

The researchers also included statements that would indicate a subject has "approach goals"—like, "I try to enhance bonding and intimacy in my close relationships".

Vice

Weight (85.9 ± 1.2 kg) and height (173.9 ± 0.8 cm) indicated a subject population that was mildly overweight but not obese (25) with a BMI of 28.2 ± 0.2 kg/m.

Diabetes Care

Another set of verbs conjugated with etre are reflexive verbs, that is verbs that indicate a subject has performed an action on itself, such as se brosser (brushing), se couper (cutting), and s'habiller (dressing).

WikiHow

"Exp" indicates an "exploded" subject heading.

BMC Health Services Research

For example, +2 indicates that a subject appears to be 2 years older than his or her actual age, whereas −3 indicates that the subject's perceived age is 3 years younger than his or her chronological age.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indicates a subject", ensure the context clearly establishes what the subject is and what is being indicated about it. For example, specify the measurement, symbol, or characteristic that is serving as the indicator.

Common error

Avoid using "indicates a subject" if the subject is not clearly defined or easily identifiable. Ensure that the subject is well-established within the context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indicates a subject" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "indicates" is the verb and "a subject" is the object. Ludwig shows its use to denote a relationship where something serves as a sign or marker of a particular topic or entity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "indicates a subject" is grammatically correct and serves to highlight a relationship between an indicator and a specific topic. Ludwig AI identifies its primary function as establishing a connection, often used to provide clarity in diverse contexts such as science, news, and general information. While its frequency is uncommon, it remains a valuable tool for precise communication. The phrase is generally neutral in register, suitable for various audiences. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "denotes a subject" or "identifies a subject" for semantic similarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

denotes a subject

Replaces "indicates" with "denotes", emphasizing the act of directly naming or signifying a subject.

specifies a subject

Replaces "indicates" with "specifies", highlighting the precise and detailed identification of a subject.

identifies a subject

Replaces "indicates" with "identifies", focusing on the recognition and distinguishing of a subject from others.

points to a subject

Uses "points to" instead of "indicates", creating a more visual metaphor for directing attention to a subject.

highlights a subject

Replaces "indicates" with "highlights", emphasizing the act of making a subject more prominent or noticeable.

marks a subject

Replaces "indicates" with "marks", suggesting the act of distinguishing a subject with a sign or symbol.

designates a subject

Replaces "indicates" with "designates", implying the act of formally choosing or assigning a subject.

signals a subject

Replaces "indicates" with "signals", suggesting the act of conveying information about a subject through a sign or signal.

suggests a subject

Replaces "indicates" with "suggests", implying that something indirectly leads to the idea of a subject.

refers to a subject

Replaces "indicates" with "refers to", highlighting the act of making an explicit connection to a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "indicates a subject" in a sentence?

Use "indicates a subject" to show that something points to, identifies, or specifies a particular topic. For example, "A high fever indicates a subject's potential infection."

What are some alternatives to "indicates a subject"?

You can use phrases like "denotes a subject", "specifies a subject", or "identifies a subject" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "indicates a subject" or "indicates the subject"?

"Indicates a subject" is used when referring to a general instance of a subject. "Indicates the subject" is used when referring to a specific subject already identified in the context.

What's the difference between "indicates a subject" and "suggests a subject"?

"Indicates a subject" implies a more direct and clear connection, while "suggests a subject" implies a less direct or more tentative connection.