it indicates only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it indicates only" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to specify that something is limited to a particular meaning or interpretation. Example: "The data collected from the survey is preliminary; it indicates only a trend and not a definitive conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

X k is the k-th row of X, the elements of which are set to zero, as it indicates only the presence of noise.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

If there is a diffuse high signal without a mass following radiation therapy, it indicates only inflammatory treatment-induced changes.

Cancer Imaging

From the growth data we indeed expected a low selective pressure, as it indicates only a marginal difference in fitness between the expression level at 15 μM IPTG and the optimum that lies nearby at somewhat higher IPTG levels.

BMC Systems Biology

For example, the difference between a mean age of 50.9±7 years in non-nappers vs 51±7 years in the <1 h napping group is obviously not clinically meaningful; it indicates only a slight difference in age.

BMJ Open

This is a reflection of the information value in the data regarding the Hill coefficient and should not be seen as evidence that the dose response in the low-dose region is in fact linear; rather, it indicates only that data could be adequately described by models that assumed linearity.

Environmental Health Perspectives

35 This effect does not represent a safety concern because it indicates only a reduction in semen volume, which is reversible (within a few days) upon discontinuation of treatment, 36, 39 and is not perceived as particularly bothersome (discontinuation rates due to ejaculation disorders in patients treated with silodosin were very low in the Phase III studies).

Clinical interventions in aging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It indicated only that he had not been killed.

The New York Times

It makes me see the child's face, a hint of worry in it, indicated only by one or two faint marks.

The Guardian - Arts

Being a mother was acceptable if it wasn't one's raison d'être – as a side mention it was passable, as a passion it indicated only a lack of capacity and imagination.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the Sungs' view, this was a sign of innocence; to the D.A.'s office, it indicated only that the Sungs knew enough not to communicate as incautiously as the more recent immigrants they employed did.

The New Yorker

Or does it indicate only that the maniraptoran ribcage functioned in aspiration breathing more like that in avians?

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it indicates only" when you want to specifically limit the scope of an interpretation or finding. Be clear about what it does not indicate to avoid overstating your point.

Common error

Avoid using "it indicates only" when the evidence actually suggests a stronger conclusion. If the data supports a more definitive statement, opt for stronger language rather than downplaying the significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it indicates only" functions as a qualifier, limiting the scope of an observation or conclusion. It serves to narrow down the interpretation of a piece of information, as shown by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it indicates only" is a phrase used to limit the scope of an observation or conclusion. It clarifies that the information points to a specific interpretation, preventing overgeneralizations. While grammatically sound and usable in written English according to Ludwig AI, it's crucial to use it when the evidence genuinely warrants a limited interpretation. The phrase is commonly seen in scientific and news contexts and offers a neutral tone. Remember that alternative phrases like "it solely suggests" or "it merely implies" can provide similar nuances, depending on your intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it solely suggests

Emphasizes the exclusivity of the indication.

it merely implies

Highlights the tentative nature of the indication.

it exclusively signifies

Focuses on the unique meaning conveyed.

it just points to

Offers a simpler, more direct way of stating the indication.

it reveals nothing but

Stresses the limited information revealed.

it betrays solely

Highlights the single and exclusive nature of something betraying something else.

it connotes uniquely

Focuses on the particular meaning uniquely associated.

it intimates barely

Emphasizes the subtle and minimal suggestion.

it hints exclusively at

Highlights the hinting nature of the indication, which is the unique possibility.

it alludes purely to

Focuses on the allusive nature of the indication, stressing its purity.

FAQs

How can I use "it indicates only" in a sentence?

Use "it indicates only" to limit the scope of an observation or finding. For example, "The study's results are preliminary; "it indicates only" a trend, not a conclusive result."

What's a good alternative to "it indicates only"?

Alternatives to "it indicates only" include "it solely suggests", "it merely implies", or "it just points to". Choose the phrase that best fits the nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "it indicates only" and "it indicates"?

"It indicates only" emphasizes that the indication is limited and specific, while "it indicates" is a more general statement without limiting the scope of the indication.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it indicates only"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms that "it indicates only" is correct and usable in written English.