only indicates the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only indicates the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to clarify that something serves merely as a sign or suggestion rather than a definitive statement or conclusion. Example: "The data only indicates the potential for growth, not a guarantee of success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Towards that end, let (Delta _{t}' in {0,1}^{Ntimes N}) be the difference indicator matrix that only indicates the packets that are received at current time t, i.e., Delta_{t}'= Delta_{t} - S^{downarrow}Delta_{t-1}. (20).

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

This description only indicates the consequences of great-power struggles during the Cold War and the subsequent neglect that allowed the Taliban to gain power.

The New York Times

If the biblical Song of Solomon seems audible in the background here, it only indicates the difficulty Eliot faces in achieving the right tone.

Independent

The fact that they are now emerging from Greece not only indicates the scale of financial distress, it suggests something else: Greece today looks like parts of Latin America in the worst moments of its financial crisis.

The Guardian

However, defocus only indicates the mismatch of azimuth matched filter.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

"AR" (adaptive request) only indicates the adaptive segment request scheme.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Instead, there's a retreat into hazy philosophy, as when Paul reflects that "technology had begun for him to mostly only indicate the inevitability and vicinity of nothingness".

The New Yorker

The sequence has been ordered in a meticulously careful, sensitive and playful way that can only indicate the author's hand.

The Guardian - Books

These methods can only indicate the presence or absence of underground formations that are favourable for petroleum accumulations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To teach them the lovely Bournonville arm positions, Mr. Hubbe has them walk through whole passages of choreography, only indicating the dance steps, but doing the port de bras full-out.

The New York Times - Arts

That Ronson's books, rather than providing us with the material we need to think about these questions, can only indicate the further reading we should do, is also mandated by his authorial persona.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only indicates the", ensure the subsequent information provides a clear but limited insight. Avoid overstating the implication of the indicator.

Common error

Avoid treating what "only indicates the" as a definitive conclusion. Remember it's a sign or suggestion, not a complete picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only indicates the" functions as a qualifier limiting the scope of what is being suggested. It is used to specify that something serves as a sign or a pointer, but not necessarily a definitive conclusion. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

18%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only indicates the" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to convey a limited or qualified perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to present information as a sign or suggestion rather than a definitive statement. Its primary function is to temper expectations and avoid overstating claims, making it suitable for both scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, it is important to ensure that the subsequent information provides a clear, albeit limited, insight. Remember that what "only indicates the" should not be treated as a definitive conclusion, but rather as a potential clue or signal that requires further investigation or consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely signifies the

This alternative emphasizes the act of signifying in a simple or basic manner.

simply suggests the

Replaces "indicates" with "suggests" to convey a less direct implication.

just points to the

Uses "points to" to highlight a directional clue rather than a definite assertion.

solely reveals the

Replaces "indicates" with "reveals" and uses "solely" to emphasize exclusivity.

exclusively denotes the

Substitutes "indicates" with "denotes" for a more formal tone, reinforced by "exclusively".

hints at nothing but the

Employs "hints at" to suggest a subtle implication, with "nothing but" limiting the scope.

does no more than signal the

Uses "signal" instead of "indicate" to imply a preliminary or alerting function.

largely reflects only the

This phrase highlights that only part of the information is being shown or revealed.

is confined to showing the

Emphasizes limitation with "confined to", suggesting restrictions on what is being shown.

is restricted to implying the

Highlights restricted scope using "restricted to" and "implying" for a subtle meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "only indicates the" in a sentence?

Use "only indicates the" to show that something is a sign or suggestion, but not a complete explanation. For example: "The rising temperature "only indicates the" beginning of summer, not necessarily a drought."

What are some alternatives to "only indicates the"?

You can use phrases like "merely suggests the", "simply points to the", or "just reveals the" as alternatives to "only indicates the", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "only indicates the" or "clearly demonstrates the"?

The choice depends on the strength of the evidence. "Only indicates the" is suitable when the evidence is suggestive but not conclusive, while "clearly demonstrates the" implies stronger, more definitive proof.

What's the difference between "only indicates the" and "strongly suggests the"?

"Only indicates the" implies a limited level of evidence, whereas "strongly suggests the" implies a higher probability but still falls short of definitive proof. "Only indicates the" focuses on the limited scope of the information provided, while "strongly suggests the" focuses on the power of suggestion the evidence carries.