they are indicative of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are indicative of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that serves as a sign or indication of a particular quality, condition, or situation. Example: "The rising temperatures are indicative of climate change affecting our planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But they are indicative of some important shifts in the aspirations and mood of the English.

The Guardian - Opinion

Street protests will not determine Mr Zuma's future, but they are indicative of the pressures he faces.

The Guardian - Opinion

And they are indicative of an emerging split on the right about how best to bring Obama down.

The Guardian - Opinion

These symptoms are known as neuroglycopenic symptoms because they are indicative of glucose deprivation in the brain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These are not the prices actually paid on the streets of downtown Nairobi, say, but they are indicative of the global issue around food security.

The Guardian

If indeed they are indicative of future losses, these figures presage one thing: Uefa has a potential enforcement issue at hand.

The Guardian - Sport

They are indicative of the steps most big retailers are taking to spur consumer demand after a miserable back-to-school season last year, which was followed by a sluggish spring.

The New York Times

They are indicative of a growing band of leaders who get the sustainability agenda, realising it is a necessity not a luxury if their businesses are to thrive and grow.

The Guardian

Meticulously researched, beautifully written, and dealing with ideas and questions of significance, they are indicative of the level of outstanding accomplishment for which Hampshire alumni are typically recognized in whatever careers and endeavors they pursue.

The New York Times

Such claims are not verifiable, but they are indicative of fears running high.Further details that have emerged about the day of Mr Nasheed's resignation, meanwhile, cry out for answers.

The Economist

But they are indicative of the trade-offs that have been necessary to win support for what began as a fairly modest goal last year: to repeal a long-standing tax subsidy for exporters, worth about $55 billion, which has been declared illegal under international law, and replace it with new tax breaks of comparable value.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are indicative of" to signal that certain observations or data provide insights into a broader trend or condition. Ensure the connection between the observed elements and the inferred trend is clear and logical.

Common error

Avoid using "they are indicative of" when the evidence is weak or insufficient. Overstating the significance of limited data can lead to inaccurate conclusions. Instead, use more cautious language like "they might suggest" or "they could be indicative of."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are indicative of" functions as a linking phrase to establish a connection between observed phenomena and their underlying causes or implications. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it helps to interpret specific findings in relation to broader trends or conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

59%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are indicative of" serves as a bridge between observations and their implications, suggesting underlying trends or conditions. As evidenced by Ludwig's extensive collection of examples, this phrase is grammatically sound and prevalent across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. While versatile, it's crucial to use it judiciously, avoiding overstatements when evidence is limited. Alternatives like "they suggest" or "they point to" offer more nuanced expressions when appropriate. Therefore, its role is to signal a connection between evidence and a broader conclusion, enriching analytical and informative discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they suggest

This alternative is more concise and direct, implying a potential connection or hint rather than a definite indication.

they point to

This alternative emphasizes direction or focus, suggesting that something leads to a particular conclusion or understanding.

they signify

This alternative implies a more formal or symbolic representation, suggesting a deeper meaning or significance.

they represent

This alternative emphasizes a direct correspondence or equivalence, suggesting that something stands for or embodies something else.

they demonstrate

This alternative focuses on providing evidence or proof, suggesting that something clearly shows or illustrates a particular point.

they imply

This alternative is more subtle, suggesting that something hints at or suggests a conclusion without explicitly stating it.

they allude to

This alternative implies an indirect reference, often to something well-known or understood, adding a layer of subtlety and nuance.

they betray

This alternative suggests an unintentional revelation, implying that something reveals a hidden truth or underlying condition.

they are a symptom of

This alternative emphasizes a cause-and-effect relationship, suggesting that something is a manifestation or sign of a larger problem or issue.

they are suggestive of

This alternative adds a layer of uncertainty, implying a possibility or likelihood rather than a definite indication.

FAQs

How can I use "they are indicative of" in a sentence?

Use "they are indicative of" to show that certain things suggest a larger trend or underlying cause. For example, "These economic indicators are indicative of a potential recession."

What can I say instead of "they are indicative of"?

You can use alternatives like "they suggest", "they point to", or "they represent" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "they are indicative of" or "they indicate"?

"They indicate" is more direct and concise. "They are indicative of" is more emphatic, highlighting the suggestive nature of the evidence. The best choice depends on the desired tone and emphasis.

What's the difference between "they are indicative of" and "they are proof of"?

"They are indicative of" suggests that something serves as a sign or symptom, implying a likelihood or trend. "They are proof of" asserts a definitive confirmation or validation. Proof is a stronger claim.