they indicate that

USAGE SUMMARY

"they indicate that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce the information or evidence that supports a previous statement. For example: "The recent surveys show a decline in consumer spending. They indicate that people are becoming more cautious with their finances." In this sentence, "they indicate that" is used to introduce the evidence from the surveys that supports the statement about a decline in consumer spending.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They indicate that classroom presence is not a mandatory precondition for success in the final exam.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

They indicate that, as Seamons and Hunter put it, "American roots music is our playground".

Huffington Post

Together they indicate that it intends to leave nothing behind.

The New York Times - Arts

They indicate that the proposed rules may have broad appeal.

Carbon

Economists hope they indicate that consumer spending is gaining strength.

The New York Times

They indicate that Albion still wants more, more.

Independent

Many scholars believe they indicate that Schumann died of neurosyphilis.

The New York Times - Arts

Do they indicate that abortion is rare, or commonplace?

The New York Times

He also looks for slight imperfections because they indicate that a piece was made by hand.

The New York Times

Boosts in stress hormones also are of concern because they indicate that noise induces physiological stress.

Cornell University

But they indicate that acetaminophen, like NSAIDs, somehow affects the cardiovascular system.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they indicate that" to introduce a summary of findings or observations drawn from a specific source, providing context for the subsequent information.

Common error

Avoid using "they indicate that" to introduce overly obvious or self-evident statements. Instead, reserve it for more nuanced or insightful conclusions drawn from data or observations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they indicate that" serves as a reporting verb phrase. Its primary grammatical function is to introduce a clause that presents a finding, observation, or conclusion drawn from a specific source or set of data. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage in academic and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they indicate that" is a versatile reporting verb used to introduce information, findings, or conclusions derived from specific sources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very common across various disciplines, including science, news media, and academia. When writing, use it to introduce summaries, findings, or observations drawn from specific sources. To avoid overuse, reserve this phrase for non-obvious or more insightful conclusions. Some alternatives include "they suggest that", "they show that", and "they demonstrate that", each offering a slightly different nuance. "They indicate that" is generally neutral to formal, being suitable for both professional and academic contexts. Its communicative purpose is to provide evidence-based support and establish credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they show that

A more general term for presenting information or evidence.

they suggest that

Implies a less definitive conclusion compared to "indicate".

they demonstrate that

Emphasizes a clear and convincing presentation of evidence.

they confirm that

Indicates that the information corroborates existing knowledge.

they imply that

Suggests a more indirect communication of information.

they reveal that

Highlights the disclosure of previously unknown information.

they establish that

Indicates a stronger level of proof or validation.

they determine that

Highlights the process of reaching a conclusion through investigation.

they point out that

Highlights a specific detail or observation.

the evidence suggests

Shifts the focus from the actors to the evidence itself.

FAQs

How can I use "they indicate that" in a sentence?

Use "they indicate that" to introduce a finding, observation, or conclusion derived from a specific source. For example, "The research results "they indicate that" the new treatment is effective".

What are some alternatives to "they indicate that"?

You can use phrases like "they suggest that", "they show that", or "they demonstrate that" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "they indicate that" and "they suggest that"?

"They indicate that" generally implies a more direct and clear connection between the evidence and the conclusion, while "they suggest that" implies a less direct or more tentative connection.

When is it appropriate to use "they indicate that" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when you need to present a clear finding or conclusion that is supported by specific evidence or data. Avoid using it for weak or speculative claims.