indicative sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indicative sign" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a sign or signal that suggests or points to something specific, often in contexts like analysis or interpretation. Example: "The sudden drop in temperature is an indicative sign of an approaching storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In recent months, international shipping-related companies, such as South Korea's STX shipbuilding, have opened offices in Athens in what analysts say is the most indicative sign yet of Greece's growing strength in the global industry.

The Guardian - Business

Therefore, these threats are an indicative sign of a prank call.

Huffington Post

Moreover, the A/L ratio, actually the most indicative sign of metabolic risk, is even negatively correlated in IUGR fetuses with aIMT [ 33].

BioMed Research International

The presence of –NH valence vibration at an intermediate wave number (3474 cm−1) was the major indicative sign that CBZ could be neither polymorph III (3464 cm−1) or polymorph I (3484 cm−1).

Drug Delivery

Uncontrollable bleeding is the most obvious and indicative sign of postpartum hemorrhage.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Sextus' skeptic does not accept such indicative signs.

SEP

There is, he thinks, an empirically viable source of at least some claims concerning atoms the indirect data of indicative signs.

SEP

Engorgement of the mesenteric vessels ("centipede" sign) and the presence of fluid at the base of the sigmoid mesentery ("comma sign") are two indicative signs of the inflammatory process [17, 18] (Fig. 6).

Insights into Imaging

World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines suggest several indicative signs, based on limited data.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Hence, it is important that educators are capable of identifying those schoolchildren who may have early indicative signs of mental health problems.

BMC Public Health

Changes in body weight are indicative signs of systemic toxicity [ 30] and its reduction may be related to the effects of exposure to toxic substances.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indicative sign", ensure the connection between the sign and what it indicates is clear to the reader. Avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient context.

Common error

Avoid presenting an "indicative sign" as definitive proof. It is a signal or suggestion, not necessarily a guarantee.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indicative sign" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "indicative" modifies the noun "sign". According to Ludwig, this phrase points to something that serves to indicate or suggest something else, but not with absolute certainty.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indicative sign" is a phrase used to describe a sign that suggests something, but doesn't confirm it definitively. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and mostly found in scientific and journalistic contexts. When writing, use it to highlight a signal that suggests a trend or outcome, but avoid presenting it as irrefutable evidence. Related phrases include "suggestive indicator" and "telling signal".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggestive indicator

Changes the adjective to "suggestive" and the noun to "indicator", emphasizing the hinting nature of the sign.

telling signal

Replaces both words to convey a strong and revealing sign.

revealing symptom

Focuses on signs specifically related to symptoms, often in a medical context.

diagnostic marker

Highlights the sign's role in identifying or diagnosing a condition.

characteristic feature

Shifts the focus to a distinctive aspect that points to something.

demonstrative symptom

Highlights the clear and obvious character of the symptom.

representative indication

Conveys that the sign accurately represents a larger trend or situation.

evident clue

Emphasizes the obvious and easily noticeable nature of the sign.

suggestive clue

This phrase is similar to the original phrase, but it is more vague and less direct.

significant pointer

Highlights the importance of the sign as a guide or direction.

FAQs

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

You can use "indicative sign" to point out a sign or signal that suggests a particular outcome or condition. For example, "The increase in sales is an indicative sign of economic recovery."

What phrases are similar to "indicative sign"?

Alternatives include "suggestive indicator", "telling signal", or "diagnostic marker", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "indicative sign" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to highlight a specific sign that hints at a larger trend, condition, or outcome without presenting it as absolute proof. It's especially useful in analytical writing.

What is the difference between "indicative sign" and "definitive sign"?

"Indicative sign" suggests something, while "definitive sign" ("definitive sign") proves something. The former implies a possibility, while the latter implies certainty.