the primary indicator

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since the majority of the sample RNA consists of 28S and 18S rRNA species, the 28S:18S rRNA ratio has traditionally been viewed as the primary indicator of RNA quality, with a ratio of 1.7 to 2.0 considered to indicate high-quality, intact RNA.

Plosone

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

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

The primary indicator in many Asian economies compares prices with those of a year earlier, not those of the previous month, as is common in the United States and Europe.

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

No matter what your board says, remember revenue is NOT the primary indicator; it is simply an indicator.

TechCrunch

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

Surgical Case Reports

We highlight methodological challenges in using intrahousehold decision making as the primary indicator to measure empowerment.

World Development

The primary indicator for the detection are the shipping address, the recipient name, and the payment method.

Procedia Computer Science

The total coliform group has been selected as the primary indicator bacteria for the presence of disease causing organisms in drinking water.

Environmental Systems Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the primary indicator", ensure you clearly define what the indicator measures and why it is the most important one in the given context. Providing context helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting "the primary indicator" as the only factor. Acknowledge other contributing indicators, even if they are less significant. This shows a balanced understanding and prevents oversimplification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the primary indicator" functions as a noun phrase identifying the most important measure or sign. Ludwig AI examples show its use in diverse contexts to pinpoint the key factor in a particular analysis or situation. It serves to clarify the focus of attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the primary indicator" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase for denoting the most important factor in a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently across diverse domains, particularly in scientific research, news reporting, and business analyses. While phrases such as "the main indicator" or "the key indicator" can serve as alternatives, it's crucial to use "the primary indicator" precisely, ensuring its significance is clearly defined to avoid any ambiguity. Be sure to consider other relevant indicators, rather than overstating it as the only determinant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main indicator

Replaces "primary" with "main", offering a slightly less formal tone.

the key indicator

Substitutes "primary" with "key", emphasizing the importance of the indicator.

the leading indicator

Uses "leading" instead of "primary", suggesting the indicator is predictive.

the principal indicator

Replaces "primary" with "principal", providing a more formal tone.

the main sign

Simplifies "the primary indicator" to a more basic expression.

the most important indicator

Elaborates on "primary" by specifying "most important", making the significance clearer.

the chief indicator

Substitutes "primary" with "chief", implying it's the most prominent.

the crucial indicator

Uses "crucial" instead of "primary", highlighting the indicator's essential nature.

the vital sign

Replaces "indicator" with "vital sign", commonly used in medical contexts.

the bellwether

Replaces "the primary indicator" with a single word that indicates a leading trend.

FAQs

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

You can use "the primary indicator" to highlight the most important factor in a situation. For example, "In this study, the primary indicator of success was patient satisfaction".

What are some alternatives to "the primary indicator"?

Consider using phrases such as "the main indicator", "the key indicator", or "the most important indicator" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "the primary indicator" in formal writing?

"The primary indicator" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific, business, and academic contexts where precise language is essential. It clearly identifies the most significant factor being considered.

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

"The primary indicator" denotes the most important or significant measure, while a "secondary indicator" is a less crucial but still relevant measure. The primary indicator carries more weight in analysis and decision-making.