primary indicator of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary indicator of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a main sign or measure that suggests or points to a particular condition or outcome. Example: "The primary indicator of economic growth is the increase in GDP."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Using race as the primary indicator of criminal activity is a lazy substitute for looking for real clues.

The New York Times

Consumer spending, which economists often look to as a primary indicator of recovery, grew 2 percent.

The New York Times

In its report, the committee cited the real gross domestic product -- the value of all goods and services in the economy, adjusted for changes in prices -- as the primary indicator of a recovery.

The New York Times

"We believe the capacity for empathy is the primary indicator of how successful volunteers will be in building strong relationships with their clients," explained Lodal.

The New York Times

Limnologists and hydrobiologists are attentive to the dissolved oxygen content of the water because it is a primary indicator of water quality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The progress of such mapping in the various parts of the world is therefore a primary indicator of the status of cartography in general.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rising margin debt was once seen as a primary indicator of financial speculation, and the Federal Reserve controlled the amount that could be borrowed by each investor as a way to damp excess enthusiasm when markets grew frothy.

The New York Times

Getting to a call within the allotted time – a major target discussed by every borough's senior management as the primary indicator of a day's successful policing – has become more important than the reason for attending the call in the first place.

The Guardian

Hence, explosive signatures represent the robust primary indicator of landmines.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

It is a primary indicator of suitability of water for consumption.

Environmental Systems Research

Several authors have reported anemia as the primary indicator of large gastric lipomas [5 12].

Surgical Case Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primary indicator of", ensure that the indicator is indeed the most important or significant measure in the given context. Avoid overstating its importance if other factors also play a crucial role.

Common error

Avoid using "primary indicator of" when the factor is merely one of several important indicators. Using alternatives like "significant indicator of" or "key factor in" can provide a more nuanced description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary indicator of" functions as a noun phrase complement. It typically identifies what serves as the main signal or measure for a particular condition, state, or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "primary indicator of" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that specifies the most important measure or sign for a particular condition or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral to formal in register, it's important to ensure that the identified indicator is truly the most significant, avoiding overstatements. Alternatives like ""main sign of"" or ""key measure of"" may be more appropriate in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main sign of

This alternative emphasizes the role of the indicator as a key sign rather than a general measure.

key measure of

This phrase specifies that the indicator is a quantifiable measure, implying a more objective assessment.

chief gauge of

This emphasizes the indicator as a tool for measurement and assessment.

principal index of

This is more formal and emphasizes that the indicator is an index used for evaluation.

leading determinant of

This alternative highlights the indicator's role in directly influencing an outcome.

central metric for

This alternative focuses on the indicator as a key metric in a performance evaluation.

foremost signal of

This focuses on the indicator as a clear signal or sign that something is occurring.

most important marker of

This alternative emphasizes the indicator's importance or significance as a marker.

critical factor in

This highlights the indicator's role as an essential factor in determining a particular outcome.

major element of

This suggests that the indicator is a significant component within a broader system or context.

FAQs

How can I use "primary indicator of" in a sentence?

You can use "primary indicator of" to highlight the most important factor or measure that signals a particular condition or outcome. For example, "Consumer spending is a "primary indicator of" economic recovery."

What are some alternatives to "primary indicator of"?

Alternatives include "main sign of", "key measure of", or "chief gauge of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "primary indicator for" instead of "primary indicator of"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "primary indicator of" is the more standard and widely accepted phrasing. "Primary indicator for" might sound awkward in most contexts.

What's the difference between "primary indicator of" and "secondary indicator of"?

"Primary indicator of" denotes the most important or direct measure, while "secondary indicator of" refers to a less direct or less significant measure that still provides relevant information about the same phenomenon.