may indicate that

USAGE SUMMARY

"may indicate that" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to explain your inference about something. For example, "The stock market dropped sharply today, which may indicate that investors are becoming increasingly nervous about the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This may indicate that topoIIβ has an additional localisation signal.

Plosone

The cottony texture may indicate that the fish had been salted and dried.

The New York Times

Others suggested the arrests may indicate that students are chafing at the increased security.

The New York Times

Sitting a test: being tested in some way may indicate that you feel under scrutiny.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A high stock yield may indicate that lower earnings are depressing the stock price.

The New York Times

A gentle tug after six weeks may indicate that roots have grown.

The New York Times

Or it may indicate that the changing climate is disrupting their feeding habits – with unknown consequences.

The Guardian

In some cases, flashbacks or intrusive thoughts that continue for weeks may indicate that counseling is needed.

The New York Times

A burst of smoke from a tailpipe may indicate that the driver is about to speed up.

The New York Times

There was also, apparently, little struggle, which may indicate that some cult members did go willingly to their deaths.

The New York Times

At the least, this may indicate that an upgrade of signage on the Taconic now under way is long overdue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may indicate that", ensure the statement is followed by a clear explanation of the evidence or reasoning supporting the inference.

Common error

Avoid using "may indicate that" when the evidence strongly supports a definitive conclusion. Using a stronger phrase such as "clearly demonstrates that" might be more appropriate when certainty is high.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may indicate that" functions as a hedging device, softening claims and expressing uncertainty. It serves to introduce a proposition as a possible, but not definite, conclusion. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may indicate that" is a valuable tool for expressing tentative conclusions and acknowledging uncertainty in writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and is commonly used in both news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the evidence supports the inference, but also acknowledge the possibility of alternative interpretations. Employing alternatives like "might suggest that" or "could imply that" can add nuance to your writing. Be careful not to overstate the certainty of your claims, as stronger language may be more appropriate when the evidence is conclusive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might suggest that

Replaces "may indicate" with "might suggest", implying a slightly weaker indication.

could imply that

Substitutes "may indicate" with "could imply", suggesting a possible, but not definite, implication.

potentially signifies that

Replaces "may indicate" with "potentially signifies", giving a slightly more formal tone.

it is possible that

Replaces the entire phrase with a more direct expression of possibility.

this suggests that

Simplifies the phrase to "this suggests", focusing on the suggestive nature of the evidence.

one interpretation is that

Introduces an element of subjectivity in the interpretation.

it seems likely that

Expresses a higher degree of probability compared to "may indicate".

this could be interpreted as

Highlights the interpretive aspect and potential for alternative understandings.

the evidence points to

Focuses on the direction of evidence, rather than a direct indication.

it hints at the possibility that

Uses a more subtle verb ("hints") to convey a weaker indication.

FAQs

How can I use "may indicate that" in a sentence?

"May indicate that" is used to express a possible, but not certain, relationship or conclusion based on available information. For example: "The increase in temperature may indicate that climate change is accelerating."

What are some alternatives to "may indicate that"?

Alternatives include "might suggest that", "could imply that", or "potentially signifies that". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "may indicate that" formal or informal?

"May indicate that" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. It is common in academic writing, news reports, and professional communication.

What's the difference between "may indicate that" and "proves that"?

"May indicate that" suggests a possibility, while "proves that" implies a definitive conclusion. Use "may indicate that" when evidence is suggestive but not conclusive, and avoid it when the evidence leaves no doubt.