looking for indications

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking for indications" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are searching for signs, clues, or evidence regarding a particular situation or topic. Example: "The researchers are looking for indications of climate change in the data collected over the past decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Investors continued to pore over earnings reports, looking for indications of where business was headed.

The New York Times

"Basically, we're looking for indications of dog aggression," said the owner, Hannah Koltuv.

The New York Times - Travel

With a colleague of Dalporto's, William Woods, I walked around the Bronx criminal courthouse on a recent weekday morning, looking for indications that ICE agents were present.

The New Yorker

Expectations this quarter, however, have shifted, and investors are looking for indications that businesses have moved beyond cost-cutting and have started to bring in revenue.

The New York Times

Even finding where the Jefferds's home had stood was difficult, she said, and with little left to negotiate the terrain by, she eventually started looking for indications of which way gravity might have directed the surge.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama's team was looking for indications of how the new Chinese president — more confident and probably more powerful than his predecessor — would balance his nation's short-term needs and its long-term interests.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Forward-looking information is becoming increasingly important as investors look for indications that the economy is poised to recover and try to assess whether a 13-month rally can endure.

The New York Times

When your physician wants to check some aspect of your health, such as your cholesterol or glucose levels, or look for indications of kidney or liver problems, a blood test is often required.

The New Yorker

To replace it, the company has created a category called adult services, in which postings will be reviewed by employees who will look for indications of activity that is illegal or violates the site's guidelines.

The New York Times - Tech

Instead, look for indications of mental toughness and someone people trust.

Forbes

Thompson said he would look for indications that Motorola is able to remove $3 to $5 in costs in low-end handsets before becoming enthusiastic about the stock.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looking for indications", ensure the context clearly defines what specific signs or evidence are being sought to maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "looking for indications" without specifying what indications are being looked for. This can lead to ambiguity. Instead of saying "they are looking for indications", specify "they are looking for indications of market recovery".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking for indications" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used within a clause to express an action of searching or seeking. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looking for indications" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of seeking signs, clues, or evidence. As Ludwig AI reports, it's suitable across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and professional settings. While phrases like "searching for clues" or "seeking signs" can serve as alternatives, the key is to ensure clarity regarding what specific signs are being sought. The phrase carries a neutral to professional tone, reflecting its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist, making it a versatile tool for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

searching for clues

Emphasizes the investigatory aspect of finding subtle hints or pieces of evidence.

seeking signs

Highlights the desire to find omens or signals that provide insight into a situation.

trying to detect signals

Focuses on the effort to identify faint or obscured signs of something.

watching for signals

Suggests a vigilant observation for specific indicators.

in search of evidence

Highlights the intention to find proof or factual information.

attempting to identify markers

Focuses on the process of recognizing distinctive features or characteristics.

aiming to discern patterns

Emphasizes the intention of recognizing regularities or trends.

exploring for potential leads

Highlights the exploratory nature of the search for promising avenues.

probing for possible pointers

Suggests a thorough investigation to find directional advice or guidance.

scouting for possible hints

Highlights the scouting action as information gathering.

FAQs

How can I use "looking for indications" in a sentence?

You can use "looking for indications" to describe the act of seeking signs, clues, or evidence related to a specific situation. For example, "Investors are "looking for indications" that the economy is recovering".

What are some alternatives to "looking for indications"?

Alternatives include phrases like "searching for clues", "seeking signs", or "in search of evidence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "looking for indication" or "looking for indications"?

While "looking for indication" can be grammatically correct in some contexts, ""looking for indications"" is more commonly used when referring to multiple signs or pieces of evidence.

What's the difference between "looking for signs" and "looking for indications"?

"Looking for signs" and ""looking for indications"" are very similar. "Indications" may suggest a slightly more formal or technical context, while "signs" is more general.