indices

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indices" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in mathematical, statistical, or financial contexts to refer to plural forms of "index," indicating multiple points of reference or measures. Example: "The stock market indices showed a significant increase today, reflecting investor confidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The purchasing managers' indices in many emerging markets have fallen below 50, indicating a contraction in manufacturing (see chart 2).The second challenge posed by the weaker yen is the potential deflationary effect.

The Economist

In three of the countries in the chart, China, Britain and Japan, the purchasing managers' indices compiled by Markit, a vendor of financial information, are above 50, indicating that manufacturing is growing again.

The Economist

Most of the economic indices of late such as the lowering of growth rates to jut 0.7% confirm the widely held view across Dublin and the entire Republic that 2012 is going to be another year of fiscal pain and sacrifice.

The Guardian

How should one understand the disconnect between the new highs reached by global equity indices and the new depths plumbed by real interest rates worldwide?

The Guardian - Business

All the indices of prejudice were up with the worst attitudes reserved for members of the Travelling community.

The Guardian

The main European indices rose, led by France with a 2.29% gain.

The Guardian - Business

That sent jitters through stock markets too, with share indices down around Europe.

The Guardian - Business

Then, the two indices began to diverge, with GPI holding steady while GDP continued to increase.

The Guardian

More powerful computers could create more comprehensive indices, but why not just use the naturally occurring structure of the web?

The Guardian - Tech

There the pace of price decline, as measured by the S&P/Case-Shiller indices, has been accelerating.Britain is something of an exception.

The Economist

America has several house-price indices and they tell different stories.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about multiple economic or financial measures, use "indices" to maintain formal tone and clarity. For example, "The purchasing managers' indices indicate a contraction in manufacturing."

Common error

While both "indices" and "indexes" are plural forms of "index", "indices" is more commonly used in mathematical, scientific, and economic contexts, while "indexes" is more common in general writing. Be mindful of your audience and context when choosing which term to use.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "indices" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple indexes, typically in mathematical, statistical, or financial contexts. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples of "indices" functioning as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "indices" functions as a plural noun predominantly used in contexts that require precision like mathematics, statistics, and finance. As Ludwig AI highlights, it serves to refer to multiple indicators or benchmarks, effectively summarizing complex data trends. The grammatical correctness is confirmed, along with a high frequency of use in news, business, and scientific domains. Although "indexes" is an accepted alternative plural form, "indices" carries a tone more apt for formal and technical writing. Therefore, when talking about multiple measures in technical contexts, "indices" stands as the right choice. The distinction, usage examples and related alternatives, should equip any writer with the knowledge to use the term confidently.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicators

This alternative highlights the function of "indices" as a sign or measure of something.

indexes

This is the alternative plural form of 'index', essentially interchangeable with "indices".

metrics

This term focuses on the quantitative aspect of "indices", referring to measurements used for analysis.

measures

This emphasizes the act of quantifying or assessing something, similar to the role of "indices".

indicators

Alternative highlights the role of indexes as signs of some phenomenon.

benchmarks

Focuses on the use of "indices" as a standard against which other things can be compared.

data points

This alternative refers to individual pieces of information within a set of "indices".

statistical data

This alternative emphasizes the quantitative aspect and the use of "indices" in statistical analysis.

economic figures

Highlights use of indices in economics.

market statistics

This alternative specifies the application of "indices" in the context of financial markets.

FAQs

How do I use "indices" in a sentence?

Use "indices" when referring to multiple indexes, especially in technical contexts. For example: "The stock market "indices" showed a significant increase today."

Is it correct to use "indexes" instead of "indices"?

Both "indexes" and "indices" are correct plural forms of "index". "Indices" is more common in mathematical, scientific, and financial contexts, while "indexes" is generally used in other contexts, such as referring to book "indexes".

What are some synonyms for "indices"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "indicators", "metrics", "measures", or "benchmarks" instead of "indices".

What's the difference between "index", "indexes", and "indices"?

"Index" is the singular form. "Indexes" and "indices" are both plurals, but "indices" is typically preferred in mathematical, scientific, and economic writing, while "indexes" is more common in general usage. For example, you might say "the book has several helpful "indexes"" but "the economic "indices" are rising".