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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
it's indicative of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(7)
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
59 human-written examples
I think it's indicative of Gailey's devotion to making Buffalo a winning team that he's switching again.
News & Media
It's indicative of Mr. Wenders's perspective that he doesn't hose down the city's streets for the usual glossy, shiny look.
News & Media
And it's indicative of the production's admirable economy of imagery that bamboo returns in the scaffolding of the sinister buildings.
News & Media
It's indicative of an industry that has its roots in people's front rooms.
News & Media
It's indicative of the chaos of today's fashion supply chain that many brands don't know where they are producing.
News & Media
And it's indicative of the frankness Ms. El Feki's "Sex and the Citadel" sometimes achieves.
News & Media
Also, it's gross" while Mic said it's indicative of a lack of respect for black women's bodies.
News & Media
It's indicative of a sea change in menswear, a relaxation of what's acceptable.
News & Media
It's indicative of the attitude of the show and its creators.
News & Media
"I guess it's indicative of the hysteria that's been whipped up [by the opera's broadcast on TV]," Jubb says.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
1 human-written examples
Perhaps it was indicative of Edward's secretly misanthropic self.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "it's indicative of" to introduce an interpretation or conclusion based on observed facts or evidence. Make sure the connection between the observed evidence and your interpretation is clear to the reader.
Common error
While acceptable, "it's indicative of" can sometimes sound verbose. Consider using stronger, more direct verbs like "demonstrates", "suggests", or "proves" for a more concise style, especially in formal or scientific writing.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it's indicative of" functions as a linking phrase, connecting an observation or fact to an underlying cause, trend, or condition. It introduces an interpretation or conclusion based on presented evidence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to express that something serves as a sign or symptom of something else.
Frequent in
News & Media
75%
Academia
15%
Formal & Business
5%
Less common in
Science
3%
Encyclopedias
1%
Reference
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "it's indicative of" is a commonly used phrase to suggest that a particular fact or event serves as a sign or symptom of something larger or more significant. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent application across diverse contexts, notably within News & Media and Academia. Its function is to link observations with underlying causes, with a register that is generally neutral to formal. While "it's indicative of" is widely accepted and understood, writers should be mindful of potential overuse and consider employing more direct alternatives in certain contexts for a stronger, more concise writing style. The high usage and authoritative sources suggest that mastering this phrase is beneficial for effective communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it's a sign of
This alternative replaces "indicative" with a more direct term for a signal or omen.
it's suggestive of
This alternative emphasizes the implication or hint that something provides.
this is evidence of
This explicitly states that something serves as proof or confirmation.
it points to
This option focuses on the directional aspect, implying a connection or consequence.
it's representative of
Highlights the typical nature of what is exemplified.
it suggests
This alternative uses a simpler verb to convey the idea of pointing towards something.
it demonstrates
This alternative highlights the showing or proving aspect of the original phrase.
it reflects
This captures the sense of mirroring or representing an underlying condition.
it exemplifies
This phrase emphasizes that something is a typical example of something else.
it symbolizes
Focuses on the symbolic or metaphorical meaning.
FAQs
How can I use "it's indicative of" in a sentence?
Use "it's indicative of" to show something acts as a sign or symptom of a larger trend or condition. For example, "The increase in unemployment is indicative of a weakening economy".
What are some alternatives to "it's indicative of"?
You can use alternatives like "it suggests", "it demonstrates", or "it's a sign of depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to use "it's indicative of" or "it is indicative of"?
Both forms are grammatically correct, but "it's indicative of" (with the contraction) is generally more common in everyday writing and speech. "It is indicative of" is slightly more formal.
What does it mean when something is 'indicative of' something else?
When something is "indicative of" something else, it means that it serves as a sign, symptom, or suggestion of that other thing. It implies a connection or relationship between the two.
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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
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested