it is supposed to indicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is supposed to indicate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when explaining what something is intended to show or represent. Example: "The graph is supposed to indicate the trends in sales over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The starting idea is this: if something has the function of indicating something else then it is supposed to indicate it but, since items don't always perform their functions, room for error has been made.

SEP

If it swings along the spine it is supposed to indicate a colt, if it circles then a filly.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

There is a "preference order" to be stated in the application form for the type of financial aid to be received:Graduate FellowshipNonresident Tuition FellowshipResearch AssistantshipTeaching AssistantshipDiversity FellowshipI'm supposed to indicate which sources of support I prefer.

Science Magazine

Flight 702 had been en route to Rome from Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, when it sent out transponder code 7500, which is supposed to indicate a hijacking, according to AirlineReporter.com, a website of self-described "aviation geeks".

Huffington Post

Mossack is said to have supported Anguilla's efforts to become the next BVI, including changing systems to allow one-day registration and helping it rebrand itself as British Anguilla: laughably, that label is supposed to indicate probity.

The Economist

The joke is supposed to indicate Delia's squareness; but what it really shows is the kind of authorial, sitcom pandering that is the cancer that eats at the marrow of this play.

The New Yorker

In the United States, the grape name is supposed to indicate quality.

The New York Times - Food

A badge, on the other hand, is supposed to indicate specific knowledge and skills.

The New York Times

("She was dynamite wrapped in silk".) Mr. Phillips's actual behavior, which is supposed to indicate that the character is autistic, is an inept impersonation of Norman Bates.

The New York Times

The wind direction at certain times on Holi is supposed to indicate the strength of the monsoon that year.

The Economist

The Vivienne Westwood Red Label attached to the brand that the designer shows in London is supposed to indicate a simpler, more accessible collection.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is supposed to indicate" when explaining the intended function or conventional understanding of a sign, symbol, or system, not necessarily its actual or guaranteed performance. For instance, "The 'AAA' rating is supposed to indicate minimal credit risk."

Common error

Avoid using "it is supposed to indicate" when describing an actual, confirmed indication. This phrase implies a designed purpose or expectation, not a guaranteed outcome. For example, instead of saying "The red light is supposed to indicate the door is locked" when the light consistently confirms this, use "The red light indicates the door is locked".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is supposed to indicate" functions as a purpose connector, linking a subject with its intended meaning or function. As Ludwig AI indicates, it implies an expected or designed relationship between the subject and the information it conveys.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is supposed to indicate" serves to clarify the intended purpose or expected meaning of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and useful in explaining the conventional understanding of signs, symbols, and systems. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use it when you want to emphasize the intended function rather than a confirmed or guaranteed outcome. Remember to ensure clarity by making sure the subject explicitly links to what it is supposed to represent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's intended to signify

This alternative uses "intended to signify" for a more formal tone, emphasizing intention over expectation.

it's meant to represent

Replaces "indicate" with "represent", focusing on the act of symbolizing or portraying something.

it's designed to show

Changes the focus to the design aspect, highlighting that something was created with the purpose of showing something else.

it aims to demonstrate

Uses "aims to demonstrate" to emphasize the goal of proving or illustrating something.

it serves to denote

A more formal and precise alternative, using "denote" to focus on the explicit meaning or reference of something.

it functions as a sign of

Shifts the focus to the functional aspect, describing something as a sign or symbol of something else.

it's understood to imply

Highlights the implicit meaning or suggestion conveyed by something, rather than a direct indication.

it's considered to signal

Uses "signal" to emphasize the act of conveying information or a message, often with an element of warning or guidance.

the expectation is that it will reveal

Emphasizes the expectation surrounding what something will uncover or disclose.

its purpose is to communicate

Focuses on the communicative aspect, highlighting the intention to convey information or meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "it is supposed to indicate" in a sentence?

Use "it is supposed to indicate" when explaining the intended function or commonly understood purpose of something. For instance, "The position of the hands on a clock "is supposed to indicate" the time."

What is a more formal alternative to "it is supposed to indicate"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it is intended to signify" or "it serves to denote" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "it is supposed to indicate" and "it indicates"?

"It is supposed to indicate" suggests an intended purpose or conventional understanding, whereas "it indicates" describes a direct, factual representation. For instance, "The sign is supposed to indicate a sharp turn ahead" implies a warning, but "The sign indicates a sharp turn ahead" confirms the turn's presence.

Is "it is supposed to indicate" interchangeable with "it is meant to show"?

While similar, "it is meant to show" may suggest a clearer, more deliberate design or intention, whereas "it is supposed to indicate" can imply a broader, conventional understanding. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize intentionality versus general expectation.