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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
indicative approach
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"indicative approach" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe an approach that involves making a statement, such as in the following example sentence: "My team took an indicative approach to evaluating the situation, stating that a change in policy was necessary."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
The Paris-based company is rumoured to have made an indicative approach of $122.80 a share.
News & Media
This approach by the government is more plausible and as noted by Van Dyk ([2004]), it mitigates and lessens market failure, as there will be an aspect of reinforcement that lacks in the indicative approach.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
The indicative planning approach in the Kopje has failed to deliver the intended results.
An indicative planning approach was used at the time and as discussed earlier on it failed to yield the desired results by the city authorities.
Whether these approaches are indicative of general approaches to health would require more study.
Science
It's indicative of an approach Trump has employed throughout his presidency: He has taken a hands-off approach to working out policy details, keeping clear of granular discussions and declining to take a stand on the thorniest questions.
News & Media
The veteran Conservative, now a backbench MP, said the IPP was indicative of an approach to justice under Labour "determined for fear of the tabloid newspapers".
News & Media
The latter LP title, he adds, is still indicative of his approach in the studio, where he prefers to take the reins and do it all himself.
News & Media
"While the detail of any one vote may not be indicative of an approach, there does seem to be a pattern for some managers across the votes we looked at with significant shareholder dissent.
News & Media
Ask yourself about the relative probabilities of lines 1 and 2. Suppose you think line 1 is about 100 times more likely than line 2. Then you think it is about 100 to 1 that B if A. Note: these thought-experiments can only be performed when p(A) is not 0. On this approach, indicative conditionals only have a role when the thinker takes A to be an epistemic possibility.
Science
The deal is indicative of the approach Nielsen is taking to the problem, in a quest for what it calls Total Audience Measurement.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "indicative approach", ensure it is followed by a clear description of what the approach is meant to indicate or reveal. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures that the reader understands the purpose of the approach.
Common error
Avoid presenting an "indicative approach" as a complete or final solution. It's meant to suggest a direction or possibility, not to provide a conclusive answer. Always ensure that further investigation or analysis is encouraged.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "indicative approach" functions as an adjective-noun combination. The adjective "indicative" modifies the noun "approach", suggesting that the approach serves to indicate or point towards something. Ludwig AI confirms that this construction is grammatically sound and usable in English.
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, the phrase "indicative approach" is a grammatically correct term used to describe a method or strategy that provides insight or suggests a particular direction. According to Ludwig, it's usable in written English and is found in both news and scientific contexts. While its frequency is relatively rare, its meaning is clear: it describes something that serves to indicate or point towards something else. When using this phrase, ensure that the context provides clarity on what the approach is meant to indicate. Alternatives like "informative approach" or "revealing approach" might be suitable depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
informative approach
Focuses on providing information as a key element of the approach.
illustrative approach
Emphasizes the use of examples and illustrations to clarify the approach.
revealing approach
Highlights the aspect of uncovering or disclosing something through the approach.
telling approach
Focuses on how the approach is revealing or significant.
suggestive method
Implies that the method is offering hints or suggestions.
guiding strategy
Focuses on providing direction and guidance within a strategic framework.
pointing technique
Suggests a specific technique is highlighting something.
reflective strategy
Emphasizes contemplation and consideration as key aspects of the strategy.
evident method
Focuses on how the method is easy to see or understand.
instructive method
Highlights the aspect of providing instruction and guidance within the method.
FAQs
How can I use "indicative approach" in a sentence?
You can use "indicative approach" to describe a method or strategy that suggests a direction or provides insight, such as: "The initial survey used an "indicative approach" to identify potential areas for improvement."
What phrases are similar to "indicative approach"?
Similar phrases include "informative approach", "illustrative approach", or "revealing approach". The best alternative depends on the specific context and what aspect of the approach you want to emphasize.
Is it appropriate to use "indicative approach" in formal writing?
Yes, "indicative approach" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic or professional contexts where you are describing a method that suggests a direction or provides initial insights. However, clarity and specificity are crucial.
What's the difference between "indicative approach" and "prescriptive approach"?
An "indicative approach" suggests a direction or offers insights, while a "prescriptive approach" provides specific instructions or rules to follow. The former is exploratory, and the latter is directive.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested