provide a clear indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide a clear indication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the need for something to be made evident or obvious, often in the context of instructions, guidelines, or information. Example: "The report should provide a clear indication of the project's progress and any potential issues that may arise."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

He fears the worst if the court should rule for Scientific Atlanta.The current financial crisis resulting from the sub-prime mortgage meltdown will provide a clear indication of how far the pendulum has swung back.

The Economist

He told the Commons: "I think we have to be very careful to ensure that we provide a clear indication that it will be a level playing field and it will not be abused, and for that reason I do hope that the government will focus on this issue.

The Guardian

Then during games, stats are updated in real time to provide a clear indication of how the match is developing - everything you would want and expect is there - such as score, goalscorers, starting line-ups and substitutions - plus a wealth of other info too.

Independent

He was upset when these were leaked and claims that he didn't even write several of them, but as a group they provide a clear indication of the kind of work he was doing before he struck out on his own.

The New York Times - Magazine

These findings provide a clear indication of the effectiveness of the herbal medicine.

Clinical Phytoscience

The results provide a clear indication of practice-induced brain efficiency during the performance of complex bimanual coordinative skills.

Behavioural Brain Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Mikhail Fradkov, his new prime minister, was about the only candidate that not a single political pundit had thought of; and also the only one bland enough to leave a large question mark over why he was chosen.But now that Mr Putin is as much in control as he ever will be, the next few months should provide a clearer indication of where he is heading.

The Economist

Together, these findings provide a clearer indication of the salient normative influences and gender differences in young pedestrian's decisions to walk while intoxicated.

Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour

These results greatly expand the number of locations in which an association between PM10 and MIs has been investigated and, by using a uniform analytical strategy, provide a clearer indication of the lag between exposure and response.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Relatively new techniques allowing unobtrusive long-term activity monitoring (e.g., with the use of pedometers or microprocessor-based accelerometer recorders) may provide a clearer indication of how much an individual actually walks in daily life [ 12].

BMC Cancer

Cases judged to have been incidentally detected through transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), a procedure typically used to treat obstructive uropathy, were also identified and considered in the rate calculations to provide a clearer indication of the effect of screening on the incidence rates of prostate cancer.

BMC Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provide a clear indication" to introduce key findings, signals, or symptoms, particularly in reports or analyses where clarity is paramount.

Common error

While "provide a clear indication" is acceptable, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "show clearly" or "make obvious" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide a clear indication" functions primarily as a verb phrase that introduces information meant to clarify or signal a particular point. It sets up the expectation that something will be made evident, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its usability and correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provide a clear indication" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase suitable for emphasizing clarity and direction in writing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable expression. It sees widespread use across scientific, news, and business contexts, signaling a neutral to formal register. When choosing alternatives, consider the desired level of formality, with options like "give a definite sign" or "make apparent" offering varying degrees of formality and emphasis. Remember to use this phrase when you aim to highlight key findings or signals, ensuring your audience understands the information without ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give a definite sign

Replaces "provide" with "give" and "indication" with "sign", emphasizing a more concrete signal.

offer a distinct signal

Similar to "give a definite sign" but uses "offer" instead of "give" and "distinct" instead of "definite".

present a manifest sign

Uses "present" and "manifest" to add a layer of formality.

furnish an unambiguous signal

Replaces "provide" with "furnish" and uses "unambiguous" to reinforce clarity.

supply a conclusive sign

Emphasizes that the indication is definitive and resolves any uncertainty.

offer substantial evidence

Shifts the focus to concrete evidence rather than just an indication.

yield conclusive proof

Similar to 'supply a conclusive sign' but puts more emphasis on it being a proof and less on it being an indication.

render obvious

A more concise way of saying something becomes clear, omitting "indication".

demonstrate unequivocally

Focuses on the act of demonstrating something without any doubt.

make apparent

A simpler way of stating something is clearly visible or understood.

FAQs

How can I use "provide a clear indication" in a sentence?

Use "provide a clear indication" when you want to emphasize that something offers a readily understandable sign or signal. For example, "The data "provide a clear indication" of a positive trend."

What are some alternatives to "provide a clear indication"?

Alternatives include "give a definite sign", "offer a distinct signal", or "make apparent", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "provide a clear indication" formal or informal?

"Provide a clear indication" leans towards the formal side. In more casual contexts, consider using phrases like "show clearly" or "make obvious".

When is it best to use "provide a clear indication"?

It's best to use "provide a clear indication" in reports, analyses, or formal writing where you want to emphasize the clarity and directness of a sign or signal. For instance, use it to highlight key findings or results in a study.