may indicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may indicate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a possibility or implication of something based on evidence or observation. Example: "The symptoms you are experiencing may indicate a more serious underlying condition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This may indicate difficulty concentrating.

The New York Times

It may indicate a trend.

The New Yorker

These may indicate an imminent volcanic eruption.

The Economist

"Black?," with eyebrows raised, may indicate racism.

The New Yorker

His capture may indicate greater vigilance by such border units.

The New York Times

Today's protest, however, may indicate some swelling in the opposition.

The New York Times

It is true that bigoted remarks may indicate emotional disturbance.

The New York Times

Such things may indicate Frank Capra's inner pessimist.

The Guardian

Any variation in those biological markers may indicate doping.

The New York Times - Sports

As this may indicate, Mr. Toker is delighted to court controversy.

The New York Times - Books

For example, Dr. Fleming said, recurrent bladder infections may indicate kidney stones or a tumor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may indicate", ensure the statement is supported by evidence or observation, as it suggests a potential but not definite connection. For stronger claims, consider using "demonstrates" or "proves".

Common error

Avoid using "may indicate" when you have definitive proof. This phrase introduces uncertainty; if the evidence is conclusive, use stronger verbs like "proves" or "confirms" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may indicate" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a possibility or potential implication. Ludwig's AI shows that it serves to introduce a statement where a direct relationship cannot be stated with certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

41%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may indicate" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express a potential connection or implication, without asserting absolute certainty. Ludwig AI confirms that its function is to introduce tentative explanations supported by evidence, avoiding definitive claims. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and general writing contexts, showcasing a neutral to professional register. While the phrase is generally acceptable, overstating certainty is a common error. Alternatives like "could signify" or "might suggest" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. By considering the level of evidence and desired formality, writers can effectively use "may indicate" to convey cautious and informed perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could signify

Replaces "may" with "could", softening the level of certainty and emphasizing the potential for something to be a sign of something else, and using 'signify' instead of 'indicate' makes the expression slightly more formal.

might suggest

This alternative replaces "may" with "might", also softening the certainty, and uses "suggest" in place of "indicate", which gives a slightly less direct tone.

potentially imply

Replaces "may" with "potentially", highlighting the possibility, and uses "imply" instead of "indicate", which focuses on indirect suggestion.

could be indicative of

This phrase adds a more descriptive and formal tone, using "indicative of" to explicitly state the relationship as one of indication.

might point to

This alternative replaces "indicate" with "point to", changing the image to a directional signal, which is less direct.

possibly demonstrate

This phrases uses "possibly" in place of "may", and indicate is replaced by demonstrate, which changes the tone to something more revealing of a condition.

hint at

Using "hint at" instead of "may indicate" suggests a more subtle and less direct form of indication.

is suggestive of

This alternative shifts the sentence structure to emphasize what something suggests, rather than the act of indicating itself, adding a layer of abstraction.

intimates

Using "intimates" makes the sentence more concise and slightly more literary, but it is also less common in everyday language.

portends

The word "portends" implies a sense of foretelling or foreshadowing, suggesting a future event based on current signs, which can be more dramatic than simply "indicating".

FAQs

How to use "may indicate" in a sentence?

The phrase "may indicate" is used to suggest a potential relationship or implication, without stating it as a certainty. For example, "These symptoms "may indicate" a mild infection".

What can I say instead of "may indicate"?

Alternatives to "may indicate" include phrases like "could signify", "might suggest", or "potentially imply", depending on the desired level of formality and certainty.

Which is correct, "may indicate" or "indicates"?

Both "may indicate" and "indicates" are grammatically correct, but they convey different levels of certainty. "May indicate" suggests a possibility, while "indicates" states a fact or a more definite conclusion.

What's the difference between "may indicate" and "suggests"?

"May indicate" implies a potential sign or symptom, while "suggests" can imply a broader range of connections or possibilities. They are often interchangeable, but "suggests" can sometimes carry a weaker connotation of evidence.