indication to that effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indication to that effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a sign or suggestion that supports a particular conclusion or understanding. Example: "The report provided an indication to that effect, suggesting that the project was on track for completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We'll have a strong indication to that effect on Tuesday: Nate gives Romney only a 15 percent chance, Sam Wang much less than that, so if Romney does win it will at least cast the underlying data into doubt.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If the command dial is operated within 16 seconds, image signals are output to an external monitor and also an indication to the effect that reproduction is in progress is displayed on the indicating device.

TechCrunch

First, it provides another indication to the effect that the significance of intra-EU mobility has increased in recent years.

IZA Journal of Migration

If the command dial has been operated within three minutes after reproduction of a given photographic frame has been started, reproduction of the following frame is performed, but if the command dial has not been operated until the three minutes have elapsed, the indication to the effect that the operation is in standby for reproduction is displayed again.

TechCrunch

"There are no indications to the effect that the company's practices will be changed in the future, or that measures will be taken to significantly reduce the damage to nature and the environment," the oil fund said in a press release.

Forbes

A complication was assumed there was an indication to this effect in the notes, otherwise it was assumed that there were no complications.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

There was also some indication that effects predominated among the lower stage tumours, an observation similar to that observed for endometrial cancer.

British Journal of Cancer

Results remained largely the same, with only weak indications that effects may vary among the suborders in slight ways.

Plosone

This is a strong indication that dominant effect on electron mobility is due to the enhanced electron mass.

Nanoscale Research Letters

There is an indication that this effect may decline with age but more studies (preferably longitudinal) are needed to adequately test for age-related changes.

European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

This is interpreted as an indication that the effect of the M6.4 quake on M c was weak.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indication to that effect" when you want to subtly point to supporting evidence without making a strong claim. It's particularly useful in academic or formal writing where direct assertions require more substantial backing.

Common error

Avoid consistently using phrases like "indication to that effect" when stronger, more direct language would be more effective. Over-reliance on indirect phrasing can weaken your argument and make your writing seem hesitant or evasive. Consider replacing it with phrases like "clear evidence" or "conclusive proof" where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indication to that effect" functions as a qualifier or hedge, softening a statement by suggesting support or evidence without explicitly stating it as a fact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound, though not overwhelmingly common.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indication to that effect" is a grammatically sound phrase, as noted by Ludwig AI, used to suggest support or evidence for a claim without definitively asserting it. While less common, the phrase appears in both scientific and news contexts. Alternatives like "clue to that effect" or "hint to that effect" offer similar meanings, but "evidence" or "proof" imply stronger backing. When writing, use "indication to that effect" to point to subtle evidence, but be aware that overuse can weaken your argument. Consider using more direct language when stronger claims are warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clue to that effect

Replaces "indication" with "clue", suggesting a less direct or obvious hint.

hint to that effect

Substitutes "indication" with "hint", implying a subtle suggestion.

sign to that effect

Replaces "indication" with "sign", suggesting a more overt piece of evidence.

evidence to that effect

Substitutes "indication" with "evidence", implying stronger and more concrete support.

suggestion to that effect

Substitutes "indication" with "suggestion", reducing the strength of the assertion.

proof to that effect

Replaces "indication" with "proof", implying conclusive support.

statement to that effect

Replaces "indication" with "statement", focusing on a verbal or written expression.

declaration to that effect

Substitutes "indication" with "declaration", suggesting a formal announcement.

guidance to that effect

Replaces "indication" with "guidance", implying direction or advice.

instruction to that effect

Substitutes "indication" with "instruction", focusing on specific directions.

FAQs

What does "indication to that effect" mean?

The phrase "indication to that effect" means there is a sign, hint, or suggestion that supports a particular idea or conclusion. It implies that there's something pointing towards a specific outcome or understanding, even if it's not definitive proof.

How can I use "indication to that effect" in a sentence?

You can use "indication to that effect" to refer back to a previous statement or situation. For example, "The data provided an "indication to that effect", suggesting that the project was on track."

What are some alternatives to "indication to that effect"?

Some alternatives include "clue to that effect", "hint to that effect", "sign to that effect", or "evidence to that effect", depending on the strength of the supporting information.

When is it appropriate to use "indication to that effect" over stronger phrases like "proof"?

Use "indication to that effect" when you have supporting evidence, but it's not strong enough to be considered conclusive proof. It's appropriate when you want to suggest a possibility without overstating the certainty of your claim.