indicates when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indicates when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to provide a marker or indicator of a particular point in time or a specific event. For example, "The blinking of the light indicates when it should be turned off."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A green light indicates when you're on the air.

The New York Times - Tech

Grey-shaded area indicates when stimulus is moving.

Nature

The Charge HR only measures total sleep time and indicates when you were restless or awake.

The Guardian - Tech

The application tracks children's nutritional progression and indicates when patients are ready for surgery.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Input from the STA013, which indicates when the memory buffer is full.

Cornell University

The Hessian Fly Free Date indicates when aphids will not be active in the fields.

Cornell University

Thus, as evidence indicates when one tries to sculpt it usually ends in failure.

University of California, Berkeley

The date and time listed next to Last Incremental indicates when the last backup completed successfully.

Cornell University

A biomarker for HD would be a type of molecule that indicates when neurodegeneration has started.

Stanford University

I hypothesized that there must be a neurologic signal that indicates when we should trust someone.

Harvard Business Review

The Reynolds number (Re) relates viscous and pressure drag and indicates when streamlining is beneficial.

Nature's Machines An Introduction to Organismal Biomechanics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indicates when" to clearly signal a temporal relationship or condition. For instance, "The flashing light indicates when the process is complete."

Common error

Avoid using "indicates when" in overly simple sentences where a more direct verb would suffice. Instead of "The clock indicates when it's noon", simply say "The clock shows noon".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indicates when" functions as a connector linking a sign, signal, or piece of information to a specific point in time or a condition. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies a marker for a particular event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

32%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "indicates when" is a versatile connector, frequently used across diverse fields to establish a relationship between an event, sign, or signal and a specific point in time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. As analyzed, its usage spans formal contexts such as science and academia, alongside neutral media and even informal wikis. The phrase's primary function is to provide clarity regarding timing or conditions, ensuring effective communication, although it's important to avoid overuse in overly simplistic sentences. Alternative phrases like "signals when" and "shows when" offer similar meanings, making "indicates when" a reliable choice for specifying temporal information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

signals when

Replaces "indicates" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the act of signaling.

shows when

Uses a more general term than "indicates", suitable for broader contexts.

reveals when

Suggests the information was previously hidden or not obvious.

marks the time when

Emphasizes the temporal aspect, highlighting a specific point in time.

specifies when

Implies a more precise and defined timing.

denotes when

More formal and technical term for signifying a time.

is a sign of when

Focuses on the indicative nature of the phrase.

highlights when

Emphasizes the importance or visibility of the time being indicated.

clarifies when

Suggests that it makes something about the timing easier to understand.

pinpoints when

Suggests a very precise identification of the time.

FAQs

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

Use "indicates when" to show a relationship between a sign or signal and a specific time or event. For instance, "The alarm "indicates when" it's time to wake up".

What are some alternatives to "indicates when"?

You can use alternatives like "signals when", "shows when", or "reveals when" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "indicates when" or "shows when"?

"Indicates when" is slightly more formal. "Shows when" is more general and can be used in most contexts, while ""indicates when"" implies a more specific sign or signal.

What's the difference between "indicates when" and "specifies when"?

"Specifies when" implies a more precise definition of timing, whereas ""indicates when"" simply points to a moment without necessarily defining it with precision. For example, "The manual specifies when the maintenance should occur" vs. "The warning light indicates when the oil is low".