preliminary indications

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary indications" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing initial signs or evidence that suggest a certain outcome or trend before a final conclusion is reached. Example: "The preliminary indications suggest that the new policy will lead to an increase in productivity among employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

But preliminary indications are that umpires feel strongly that it is".

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Wang said he had preliminary indications that approval in China would come quickly.

The New York Times

A Beavercreek police spokesman said in a statement: "Preliminary indications are that the officers acted appropriately under the circumstances".

The Guardian

Preliminary indications point to a heightened public awareness, which comes whenever feelings are aroused and the conflict is inflamed.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are also preliminary indications that wages, stagnant for some time, are about to rise as companies hire more aggressively.

The New York Times

Mr. O'Brien's representatives had already received some preliminary indications of interest from at least two other television companies.

The New York Times

While data for this year is still being collected, Mr. Miller said that "the preliminary indications are that the pattern is similar to last year".

The New York Times

In a terse announcement regarding its second-quarter earnings, UBS said "preliminary indications are that net new money and asset growth remain disappointing".

The New York Times

An autopsy is to be conducted Monday, but "preliminary indications" showed that Mr. Geoghan, 68, had been strangled, Mr. Conte said.

The New York Times

His cardiologist said preliminary indications showed no evidence that Mr. Cheney, 60, had had another heart attack or that his heart had been further damaged.

The New York Times

The Ballistic Missile Defense Organization at the Pentagon said preliminary indications showed that the prototype radar successfully distinguished among the 20 objects.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preliminary indications", ensure that you clarify that the information is not yet conclusive and might change as more data becomes available. This avoids misinterpretations and sets appropriate expectations.

Common error

Avoid presenting "preliminary indications" as definitive conclusions. Emphasize the tentative nature of the findings to prevent premature actions or decisions based on incomplete data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary indications" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces the idea of initial evidence or early signs that suggest a particular trend or outcome. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preliminary indications" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to initial signs or evidence suggesting a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable in various writing contexts. It is most frequently used in news, scientific, and business domains. The phrase conveys a sense of tentativeness and the need for further investigation. When using "preliminary indications", it is crucial to emphasize that the information is not yet conclusive. Related phrases include "early signs", "initial findings", and "suggestive evidence". Remember that overstating the certainty of preliminary data is a common mistake to avoid.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

early signs

Focuses on the initial nature of the evidence.

initial findings

Highlights that the evidence is a result of an initial investigation or study.

early indications

Similar to "preliminary indications" but without the sense of being formally studied.

tentative signs

Emphasizes the uncertainty and possibility of change.

suggestive evidence

Focuses on the hinting nature of the evidence.

initial signals

Highlights that the evidence is a signal or sign.

early forecasts

Refers to predictions based on initial data.

preliminary results

Focuses on the fact that the results of some procedure are still in progress.

leading indicators

Used primarily in economics to talk about patterns.

first glimpses

Highlights the introductory nature of the information.

FAQs

How can I use "preliminary indications" in a sentence?

You can use "preliminary indications" to describe early signs or evidence that suggest a particular outcome or trend, as in: "The "preliminary indications suggest" that the new policy will increase employee productivity."

What are some alternatives to saying "preliminary indications"?

Instead of "preliminary indications", you can use phrases like "early signs", "initial findings", or "suggestive evidence", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to base decisions solely on "preliminary indications"?

While "preliminary indications" can inform initial strategies, it's generally not advisable to base critical decisions solely on them. Always seek more comprehensive data and analysis before making final decisions. Consider preliminary information as "tentative signs".

What's the difference between "preliminary indications" and "leading indicators"?

"Preliminary indications" refer to early signs that something might be happening or is likely to happen. "Leading indicators", on the other hand, are specific statistical data points used in economics to forecast future trends. "Leading indicators" are quantifiable and standardized, whereas "preliminary indications" can be more general and qualitative.