slight indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight indication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small or subtle hint or sign of something. Example: "There was a slight indication that the weather might change later in the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

6. Né-Net The store's eye-catching windows, which recently showed mannequins in Mexican wrestling masks and tent dresses, are only a slight indication of the fashion inside.

The New York Times - Style

But if the opening leader has the queen, he never leads a trump, so the absence of a trump lead is a slight indication that the vital queen is on the left.

The New York Times - Arts

They gave a slight indication of their potential with a bronze in Belgrade, although they finished outside the medals in regattas in Lucerne and Munich.

BBC

"Not only is past performance no guarantee of future performance," he says, "but there's a slight indication that high-flier funds do really horribly the year after".

Forbes

The second endothermic phase transition of non-irradiated gelatin took place near 155 °C that was assigned to the glass transition followed by a slight indication for exothermic crystallization at 201 °C.

Progress in Biomaterials

There is also a slight indication of lower employment in the longer period leading up to the minimum wage increases, but there is nonetheless a distinct downward shift subsequently.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

But there are slight indications that some conservatives have awakened to the reality that not only does starve-the-beast not work, but it also leads to higher spending.

The New York Times

But since, at heart, he's a nice, reasonably bright guy who's simply a big fish in a dry pond, the only explanation for his gullibility is plot convenience, although there are slight indications that boredom and laziness also account for his fallibility.

The New York Times

There are some slight indications that students who successfully completed an intermediate level of secondary education attained the largest improvements in this domain.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

No less than the Oxford Dictionary has a definition for the term: "The putative ability of homosexuals to recognize one another intuitively or by means of very slight indications, " or, "the putative ability of heterosexuals to discern the homosexuality of others".

Huffington Post

The case might be similar for Cd, but we found only slight indications for that.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slight indication", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the indication is pointing towards to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of a "slight indication". Ensure your language reflects its subtle nature; don't present it as definitive proof or a major turning point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight indication" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and used to denote a subtle or minor hint of something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight indication" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that acts as a noun phrase to convey a subtle hint or minor sign. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and used in a variety of contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal writing. It implies uncertainty and cautious observation, making it suitable for situations where evidence is not yet conclusive. While alternatives like "faint suggestion" or "subtle clue" exist, "slight indication" provides a balanced and widely understood expression. Remember to use the phrase accurately by not overstating its significance, and always clarify the referent of the indication to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor sign

Focuses on the insignificance of the signal.

small suggestion

Underscores the limited scope of the prompting.

subtle clue

Highlights the understated nature of the evidence.

faint suggestion

Emphasizes the subtlety and indirectness of the hint.

glimmer of

Suggests a faint and often hopeful sign.

hint of

A more concise way to express a trace or suggestion of something.

touch of

Emphasizes the delicate and subtle presence of something.

trace of

Implies a very minimal amount of evidence.

whiff of

Presents the indication as fleeting and barely perceptible.

vestige of

Suggests a remaining piece of something that once was more significant.

FAQs

How can I use "slight indication" in a sentence?

You can use "slight indication" to describe a subtle sign or hint of something. For example, "There was a slight indication that the project might be delayed."

What's a good alternative to "slight indication"?

Alternatives include "faint suggestion", "subtle clue", or "minor sign" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "slightest indication" instead of "slight indication"?

Yes, "slightest indication" emphasizes an even smaller or more minimal hint. However, "slight indication" is generally used for a small hint, whereas "slightest indication" is reserved for when you want to specify there's nearly no hint at all.

What is the difference between "slight indication" and "strong indication"?

"Slight indication" refers to a weak or subtle hint, while "strong indication" implies a clear and compelling sign or evidence. For example a "strong evidence".