indicates a tendency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indicates a tendency" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing patterns, behaviors, or trends in data or observations. For example: "The data indicates a tendency towards increased sales during the holiday season." Alternative expressions include "suggests a trend," "points to a pattern," and "shows a propensity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Our study indicates a tendency of single H vacancies to aggregate and to locate on a regular superlattice, providing insight into the kinetics of the hydrogenation process.

Carbon

This indicates a tendency towards more size-asymmetric growth partitioning between the trees of a population.

Forest Ecosystems

A negative value indicates a tendency to consider the respondent disagree with the proposal (vote "no").

European Transport Research Review

That indicates a tendency to decrease the Bragg distance between the molecular segments (Table 3).

Nanoscale Research Letters

Moreover, zeta potential around −20 mV indicates a tendency of the nanoclusters to agglomerate in the solution.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The team concludes that the lesioned rats' eagerness to take small, certain, immediate rewards over large, uncertain, delayed rewards indicates a tendency to make impulsive choices.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Do his high numbers indicate a tendency to perform unnecessary surgeries?

The New Yorker

Scholars now use the uncapitalized "puritan" to indicate a tendency, not identify a group.

The New York Times - Books

Thus, the number of met-alleles indicated a tendency toward enhanced motor automatization.

Behavioural Brain Research

Standard electrode potentials for the study solution would indicate a tendency for gold to deposit first.

Electrochimica Acta

The model that the site has adopted would also indicate a tendency more to the dictatorial, as opposed to the democratic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indicates a tendency", consider whether a more specific term (e.g., "suggests a correlation", "implies a causation", "reveals a pattern") would better capture the nuance you intend to convey.

Common error

Avoid relying on "indicates a tendency" as a generic phrase. If possible, identify the underlying mechanism or cause behind the tendency to add depth to your analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indicates a tendency" primarily functions as a reporting verb phrase. It introduces a statement about an observed pattern, inclination, or likelihood. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in scientific research, news reporting, and general observations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indicates a tendency" is a useful phrase for expressing a likelihood or inclination without making a definitive statement. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its prevalence in scientific and news contexts. While grammatically sound and commonly used, consider whether a more specific term might better convey the intended meaning. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and versatile, but precision in word choice remains crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggests a likelihood

Focuses on the probability of an event occurring, shifting from general inclination to specific prediction.

points to a pattern

Emphasizes the recognition of a recurring sequence or arrangement, rather than a predisposition.

reveals an inclination

Highlights the act of uncovering a natural disposition or preference, adding a sense of discovery.

implies a proclivity

Uses a more formal term for tendency, "proclivity", suggesting a natural or habitual inclination.

signals a predisposition

Focuses on a pre-existing state that makes someone or something likely to behave in a certain way.

intimates a leaning

Suggests a subtle or indirect indication of a preference or direction.

exhibits a propensity

Similar to "proclivity", using "propensity" implies a natural inclination or tendency to behave in a particular way.

demonstrates an inclination

Highlights the act of showing or proving a natural tendency or urge.

hints at a predilection

Uses "predilection", suggesting a stronger liking or preference than a simple tendency.

reflects a trend

Shifts the focus to a general direction or course of events rather than an inherent disposition.

FAQs

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

You can use "indicates a tendency" to describe patterns or inclinations observed in data or behavior. For instance, "The study indicates a tendency for younger adults to prefer online shopping".

What are some alternatives to "indicates a tendency"?

Alternatives include "suggests a likelihood", "points to a pattern", or "reveals an inclination", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "indicate a tendency" or "indicates a tendency"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "indicate a tendency" for plural subjects (e.g., "These results indicate a tendency"). Use "indicates a tendency" for singular subjects (e.g., "This result indicates a tendency").

What is the difference between "indicates a tendency" and "proves a certainty"?

"Indicates a tendency" suggests a likelihood or inclination, while "proves a certainty" implies definitive evidence and a lack of doubt. The former is weaker and suggests a possibility, while the latter asserts a fact.