seems to indicate

USAGE SUMMARY

"seems to indicate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you want to communicate that something appears to point towards a certain outcome or result. For example: "The data seems to indicate that this treatment is potentially successful in treating the condition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Or so this speech seems to indicate.

The New Yorker

This seems to indicate that she means what they say.

The Guardian - Books

His change seems to indicate a rift between the men.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, this study seems to indicate that there's something there.

The Economist

What else about Schock seems to indicate gayness?

The New Yorker

The very low entry seems to indicate that I was wrong.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Now the silences seem to indicate something else.

The New York Times - Sports

But he seemed to indicate that bonuses must be paid.

The Guardian - Business

Demographics seem to indicate that this trend will continue.

The New York Times

Again, this seemed to indicate a faster time.

The New York Times - Sports

Friday's ruling seemed to indicate the latter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seems to indicate" when you want to convey that a conclusion is based on observation or evidence, but not definitively proven. For example, "The increase in sales seems to indicate a growing interest in our product".

Common error

Avoid using "seems to indicate" when the evidence is overwhelming and a stronger assertion is warranted. For instance, instead of "The data seems to indicate a correlation", use "The data demonstrates a clear correlation" if the correlation is statistically significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems to indicate" functions as a hedging device, softening a claim or inference. It introduces a level of uncertainty, suggesting an observation or trend without asserting it as a definitive fact. The numerous examples in Ludwig confirm its role in expressing cautious interpretations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seems to indicate" is a versatile phrase used to cautiously suggest a conclusion based on available evidence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, media, and scientific contexts. The phrase functions as a hedging device, softening claims and acknowledging uncertainty. When writing, use "seems to indicate" to present interpretations without overstating the evidence. Remember to check for opportunities to be more direct if the evidence warrants a stronger assertion. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "seems to indicate" to add precision and credibility to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggests

This alternative is a shorter, more direct synonym.

implies

This alternative highlights the indirect nature of the indication.

points to

This alternative emphasizes the direction or focus of the indication.

hints at

This alternative suggests a subtle or veiled indication.

gives the impression of

This alternative focuses on the perceived effect or feeling.

would suggest

This alternative adds a conditional or hypothetical tone.

may suggest

This alternative introduces a degree of uncertainty.

appears to suggest

This alternative emphasizes the visual or outward appearance of the indication.

can be interpreted as

This alternative highlights the subjective nature of interpretation.

leads one to believe

This alternative emphasizes the persuasive effect of the indication.

FAQs

How can I use "seems to indicate" in a sentence?

Use "seems to indicate" to cautiously suggest a conclusion based on available information. For example, "The study "seems to suggest" a link between diet and health".

What are some alternatives to "seems to indicate"?

Alternatives include "suggests", "implies", or "points to", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "seems to indicate" or "indicates"?

"Seems to indicate" introduces more uncertainty than simply saying "indicates". Use "seems to indicate" when you want to be cautious about drawing a firm conclusion.

What's the difference between "seems to indicate" and "suggests"?

"Suggests" is a more concise alternative to "seems to indicate", but "seems to indicate" can be useful when emphasizing that the conclusion is based on an appearance or impression.