indicates the possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indicates the possibility" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to convey that something suggests or hints at the possibility of something happening or being true. Example: The dark clouds in the sky indicate the possibility of a storm later in the evening.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sectarian killing of Mr. McColgan indicates the possibility of a return to regular operations for the group.

The New York Times

If a passenger's response indicates the possibility of carrying the disease, airlines are requesting a medical certificate showing the passenger does not have SARS.

The New York Times

This indicates the possibility for sharing the channel.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

This indicates the possibility of modulating the degradation rate by varying the glass/polymer ratio.

Materials Science and Engineering: C

This indicates the possibility of compromising the lightning protection procedures when using CVM.

Electric Power Systems Research

This study indicates the possibility of BINDY as a potential drug for metabolic syndrome.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

This indicates the possibility for long-term feasible (perhaps sustainable) copper management.

Ecological Economics

This indicates the possibility of using fracture mechanics methods to model the mechanism of brittle fracture.

Soil and Tillage Research

The solution for simply supported plates indicates the possibility of principal parametric resonances and simultaneous resonances.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Therefore, such gravity anomaly distribution indicates the possibility of large earthquakes in the Ryukyu Trench.

Earth, Planets and Space

This indicates the possibility of two or more parameters in the denominator transfer function model.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indicates the possibility", ensure the statement is supported by evidence, as this phrase suggests a potential outcome rather than a confirmed fact.

Common error

Avoid using "indicates the possibility" when the evidence strongly supports a definitive conclusion. Choose a more assertive phrase if the outcome is highly probable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indicates the possibility" functions as a hedging device, softening claims by suggesting a potential outcome rather than stating a definitive fact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "indicates the possibility" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to suggest a potential outcome or development. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from credible sources. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it serves to convey uncertainty and speculation. When using this phrase, ensure you're presenting a potential outcome based on evidence, rather than stating a confirmed fact, and be mindful of avoiding overstatement if the outcome is highly probable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggests a potential

Uses 'suggests' instead of 'indicates' and 'potential' instead of 'possibility', changing the wording while maintaining the core meaning.

hints at a chance

Replaces 'indicates' with 'hints' and 'possibility' with 'chance', offering a more subtle and less direct expression.

points to the prospect

Employs 'points to' and 'prospect' to convey a sense of direction towards a future outcome.

implies the potentiality

Substitutes 'indicates' with 'implies' and uses the more formal 'potentiality' in place of 'possibility'.

signals the likelihood

Changes 'indicates' to 'signals' and 'possibility' to 'likelihood', emphasizing the probability aspect.

raises the expectation

Focuses on the anticipatory aspect, suggesting that something leads to an expectation of a certain outcome.

creates an opening for

Shifts the focus to the enabling aspect, indicating that something makes a future development possible.

presents a glimmer of hope

Adds an element of optimism, suggesting that something offers a small amount of encouragement for a positive outcome.

foreshadows the eventuality

Uses 'foreshadows' to suggest a future occurrence and 'eventuality' for a sense of inevitability.

establishes a basis for

Highlights the foundational aspect, suggesting that something provides a basis for future developments.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "indicates the possibility" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "suggests a potential", "implies the potentiality", or "signals the likelihood".

What are some less formal ways to say "indicates the possibility"?

Informal alternatives include "hints at a chance", "points to the prospect", or "raises the expectation".

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "indicates the possibility"?

This phrase is suitable in contexts where you want to suggest a potential outcome or development without stating it as a certainty. It's often used in scientific reports, news articles, and analytical writing.

What's the difference between "indicates the possibility" and "proves the possibility"?

"Indicates the possibility" suggests that there's evidence pointing to a potential outcome, while "proves the possibility" implies that the outcome has been definitively demonstrated. The latter requires stronger evidence.