it was indicative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was indicative" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that serves as a sign or indication of a particular situation or condition. Example: "The sudden drop in temperature was indicative of the approaching storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Usually, such difference indicates a delta of less than 5°, and, therefore, it was indicative of a dubious association of the station reading to the event that was 18 degrees away.

Geoscience Letters

Perhaps it was indicative of Edward's secretly misanthropic self.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was indicative of the Mets' inability to generate offense.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was indicative of the culture," Dambly said.

The New York Times - Sports

It was indicative of the importance to the government of managing the messaging surrounding the summit.

The Guardian

It was indicative of how this game went that Wenger confessed he felt for his opponents.

The Guardian - Sport

Not at all – they said it was indicative of a slack management culture.

The Guardian - Business

For Janz it was indicative of a changed atmosphere after the referendum.

The Guardian

Analysts, however, wondered if it was indicative of sagging demand for the expensive phone.

The New York Times - Tech

While the move affected only one industry, it was indicative of rising worry in Europe.

The New York Times

But it was indicative of the rosy manner in which the administration described a post-Obamacare America.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was indicative", ensure the sentence clearly specifies what "it" refers to and what it indicates. For example, "The company's declining profits were indicative of poor management."

Common error

Avoid using "it was indicative" without a clear antecedent for "it". Without a specific subject, the phrase becomes vague and weakens the sentence. Always clarify what "it" represents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was indicative" functions as a commentary or assessment on a particular situation, event, or observation. It serves to highlight the significance of something as a sign or symptom of something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was indicative" is a versatile expression used to signal that something serves as a sign or representation of a broader context. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various sources – especially news and media – makes it a reliable choice for both formal and neutral registers. To ensure clarity, always make sure that the subject and reference are clearly stated. While synonyms like "it was a sign of" exist, "it was indicative" often carries a more analytical tone. By understanding its function, purpose, and potential pitfalls, you can effectively wield this phrase in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a sign of

Replaces "indicative" with a more common synonym, "sign", simplifying the phrase.

it suggested

Uses a verb form to convey the idea of pointing towards something.

it was suggestive of

Emphasizes the hint or implication provided by the situation.

it pointed to

Uses a directional verb to indicate that something leads to a particular conclusion.

it implied

Focuses on the indirect communication of a meaning.

it signaled

Highlights the role of something as a clear signal or warning.

it demonstrated

Highlights the role of something as a clear display or proof.

it reflected

Emphasizes how something mirrors or represents an underlying condition.

it exemplified

Uses the idea of being a typical example of something.

it mirrored

Similar to "reflected", but implies a more direct and faithful representation.

FAQs

How can I use "it was indicative" in a sentence?

Use "it was indicative" to show that something serves as a sign or indication of a particular situation. For example, "The low voter turnout "it was indicative" of widespread apathy".

What can I say instead of "it was indicative"?

You can use alternatives like "it was a sign of", "it suggested", or "it pointed to" depending on the context.

Is "it was indicative of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was indicative of" is grammatically correct. The preposition "of" is commonly used after "indicative" to specify what something is indicative of.

What is the difference between "it was indicative" and "it was a sign"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, ""it was indicative"" is often used in more formal or analytical contexts, whereas "it was a sign of" tends to be more general and straightforward.