they indicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they indicated" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "They indicated that the project would be finished by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They indicated they wanted to negotiate a release".

The New York Times

They indicated that they planned to go back.

The New Yorker

In this case, they indicated dissatisfaction with Fiorina's leadership.

The New Yorker

Countries could not agree on what they indicated, though.

Independent

But they indicated yesterday that they were ready for a change.

The New York Times

They indicated that the testimony would mirror that at the first trial.

The New York Times

They indicated they would watch more often if we could satisfy that appetite".

The New York Times - Arts

I simply offered them food and when they indicated they'd had enough, I took it away.

The New York Times - Health

laboratory, but they indicated that H1N1 swine flu was at least partly responsible for the outbreak.

The New York Times - Health

At their November meeting, they indicated that no rate cut was in the offing soon.

The New York Times

"They indicated that they couldn't do anything because it wasn't in their jurisdiction," a witness testified.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they indicated", ensure the context clearly identifies who "they" refers to, especially in formal writing. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens clarity.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "they indicated" in formal reports. Vary your language by using synonyms like "they suggested" or "they revealed" to add nuance and sophistication to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they indicated" primarily functions as a reporting verb phrase, used to attribute information or opinions to a group. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it connects a subject ("they") with a statement or clause, often implying a degree of indirectness or subtlety in the communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

59%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they indicated" is a grammatically correct and frequently used reporting verb phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to attribute information to a group, often suggesting a degree of indirectness. Predominantly found in news and scientific contexts, "they indicated" functions to convey information or report findings in a neutral tone. While versatile, it's essential to ensure clarity in identifying who "they" refers to and to consider synonyms like "they suggested" or "they revealed" to enhance writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they suggested

Replaces "indicated" with "suggested", implying a less direct communication.

they pointed out

Focuses on drawing attention to a specific detail or fact.

they revealed

Suggests uncovering previously unknown information.

they mentioned

A more casual way of saying they brought something to attention.

they expressed

Highlights the conveyance of feelings, thoughts, or opinions.

they signaled

Emphasizes a non-verbal or indirect form of communication.

they stipulated

Implies setting a condition or requirement.

they specified

Focuses on providing precise details.

they disclosed

Suggests making information known, often something private.

they affirmed

Implies a strong statement of truth or support.

FAQs

How can I use "they indicated" in a sentence?

Use "they indicated" to show that a group or entity conveyed information, often indirectly. For instance, "They indicated that the project was on schedule" suggests a report or statement conveyed the project's status.

What are some alternatives to "they indicated"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives like "they suggested", "they mentioned", or "they revealed". Each carries a slightly different implication about the directness and nature of the communication.

Is there a difference between "they indicated" and "they stated"?

"They indicated" implies a more subtle or indirect communication, while "they stated" suggests a direct and explicit declaration. The choice depends on whether the information was conveyed openly or implied.

When should I avoid using "they indicated"?

Avoid "they indicated" when the source of information is unclear. Always ensure the "they" is explicitly defined to prevent confusion. For greater impact, consider "they affirmed" in situations that imply strong support or verification.