indicative of a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indicative of a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that serves as a sign or indication of a particular quality, condition, or situation. Example: "The sudden drop in temperature is indicative of a change in weather patterns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's indicative of a changing attitude".

The New York Times - Arts

This is indicative of a broader pattern.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That is indicative of a disturbing pattern.

The New York Times

"It's indicative of a couple of things.

The Guardian

All indicative of a healthy job market.

The New York Times

"This is indicative of a set-up I would say.

The Guardian

It's indicative of a very corrupt kind of thinking".

The New York Times

It's indicative of a larger issue in California.

The Guardian

• The campaign is indicative of a couple of trends.

The New York Times

This is indicative of a lower level of trust.

The Guardian - Business

That response was seen as indicative of a generational divide.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indicative of a", ensure that the connection between the sign and what it indicates is clear and logical to avoid misinterpretation. The stronger the link between the two, the clearer and more convincing your writing becomes.

Common error

Avoid using "indicative of a" when the evidence is weak or circumstantial. Overstating the implication can weaken your argument and mislead your audience. Instead, use more cautious language like "suggestive of" or "potentially indicative of" if the connection is not definitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indicative of a" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe it as a sign or symptom of something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to point to a particular quality, condition, or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "indicative of a" serves as an adjectival phrase to highlight a relationship between a sign and what it represents. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While versatile across different registers, it's most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using the phrase, clarity and a strong connection between the sign and what it indicates are crucial. If the evidence is weak, consider using softer alternatives. With the multiple examples provided, it's clear that "indicative of a" is a valuable tool for expressing associations and implications in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggestive of a

This alternative focuses on the suggestive nature of the sign, implying it hints at something without being definitive.

representative of a

This phrase emphasizes that the sign is a typical example or portrayal of something larger.

symptomatic of a

This option is best used when the sign is a symptom or consequence of an underlying condition.

characteristic of a

This alternative highlights that the sign is a typical feature or quality of something.

reflective of a

This phrase suggests that the sign mirrors or shows the nature of something else.

a sign of a

This is a more direct and simpler way to express that something is evidence of something else.

demonstrative of a

This alternative indicates that the sign clearly shows or proves something.

evidence of a

This phrase emphasizes that the sign serves as proof or support for a particular claim.

illustrative of a

This option highlights that the sign helps to explain or clarify something.

a mark of a

This phrase suggests that the sign is a distinguishing feature or indication of something.

FAQs

How can I use "indicative of a" in a sentence?

You can use "indicative of a" to show that something is a sign or symptom of something else. For example, "The increase in sales is indicative of a growing economy".

What are some alternatives to "indicative of a"?

Some alternatives include "suggestive of a", "representative of a", or "symptomatic of a", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "indicative of a" or "indication of a"?

"Indicative of a" is an adjective phrase that describes something, while "indication of a" is a noun phrase that refers to the sign itself. For example, "The data is indicative of a trend" versus "The data is an indication of a trend".

When is it appropriate to use "indicative of a" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "indicative of a" in formal writing when you need to clearly and precisely show the relationship between a sign and what it suggests, especially in analytical or explanatory contexts. For example in Academia or Science.