left an indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left an indication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a sign, clue, or piece of evidence that suggests something or points to a conclusion. Example: "The detective found that the suspect had left an indication of his whereabouts at the scene of the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In another sequence, Shieber saw that Cooper's jersey buttoned the wrong way — right placket over left — an indication of more flipping.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If you decide to leave the area where you originally leave a message, leave an indication of where you're headed.

WikiHow

We purposefully left any indication of cannabis out of our name, logo and branding to ensure discretion for consumers who don't identify with the historical, "stoner" archetype.

Forbes

Yet for all its size, the sprawling Nissan plant takes up only about 35% of the dusty 1,100-acre 1,100-acreing a clear indication that there isitech more to come.

Forbes

The deal with Albania – which has been cited by some in Vote Leave as an indication of the kind of relationship Britain might hope to achieve – took six years to negotiate; Israel's took eight years and Macedonia's almost five.

The Guardian

Heidemann, a man seldom to be found in the newsroom, who often disappears for weeks without leaving any indication of his destination or contact address, once again cannot be found".

The New Yorker

The stomatal conductance of the leaves, an indication of the rate at which water evaporates, of mature trees at midday range from 200 to 270 mmol H2O m−2 s−1.

Wikipedia

Once they have recovered from the effects, buyers can leave feedback, which helps provide an indication of quality.

The Economist

The mRNAs of all tested SAGs were clearly more abundant in OEX compared to Col-0 and KO plants, thereby confirming that the early yellowing of leaves is an indication that a senescent state is reached more rapidly in leaves of plants overexpressing atwhy2.

BMC Plant Biology

Fifteen hundred people were staying in more than 65 Red Cross shelters, a fraction of those who were left homeless but an indication of the numbers who are now destitute.

The New York Times

If you say, I fear leaving, that's an indication to me that you clearly want to leave, but you're just worried that you may not find something that's going to offer you a similar salary, or that all places may be just as toxic.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "left an indication", ensure the context clearly identifies what the indication is pointing towards. For example, "The muddy footprints left an indication that someone had entered through the back door."

Common error

Avoid jumping to conclusions based on flimsy or misinterpreted indications. Always corroborate indications with other evidence before drawing definitive conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left an indication" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase, indicating the act of unintentionally providing a clue or sign. Ludwig AI analysis and the examples show its common use in describing situations where evidence is present.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "left an indication" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something has unintentionally provided a clue or sign. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is often used in news, science, and general informative contexts. While alternatives like "provided a clue" or "gave a sign" exist, "left an indication" subtly implies the clue was unintentional. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context clarifies the nature and relevance of the indication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provided a clue

Focuses on the act of giving a hint or suggestion.

gave a sign

Emphasizes the act of presenting a visible or noticeable signal.

offered a hint

Highlights the act of suggesting something indirectly.

presented evidence

Stresses the act of showing proof or facts.

suggested a possibility

Indicates that something could be true or could happen.

hinted at something

Implies an indirect suggestion or clue.

pointed to

Directs attention towards something specific.

indicated

Directly shows or signals something.

demonstrated

Shows clearly and explicitly.

signified

Implies meaning or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "left an indication" in a sentence?

You can use "left an indication" to show that something provided a clue or sign. For example, "The suspect "left an indication" of their whereabouts at the scene of the crime".

What are some alternatives to "left an indication"?

Alternatives include "provided a clue", "gave a sign", or "offered a hint". Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits the specific context.

Is it better to say "left an indication" or "gave an indication"?

"Left an indication" implies the indication was unintentional, while "gave an indication" suggests a deliberate act. The best choice depends on whether the clue was intentional or accidental.

What's the difference between "left an indication" and "provided evidence"?

"Left an indication" suggests a less direct or conclusive sign, while "provided evidence" implies a stronger and more direct form of proof.