this can indicate

USAGE SUMMARY

"this can indicate" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to introduce a statement or idea that suggests a possible interpretation or explanation. Example: "This can indicate a lack of trust within the team, as employees tend to conceal their mistakes rather than openly admitting them."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

When their lips are so tightened that they appear pinched and white, this can indicate lying.

Independent

"If a 2-year-olds has significantly greater difficulties understanding what others are saying to him or her when the child cannot rely on contextual cues and or cues such as pointing and eye-gaze direction, then this can indicate neuro-developmental difficulties of one type or another," she said.

Independent

This can indicate the coordination mode of the (COO–).

Chemistry Central Journal

Therefore this can indicate both types of titanium dioxide pigment and any production date.

Heritage Science

This can indicate that the students, either in self-assessment or peer-assessment, utilize different criteria from that of the teachers (Ross 2006).

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Consequently, this can indicate that they are contextual elements in the threads, and can be eliminate in a process of discovering the central element of the thread.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

This result can indicate that this species increases the expression of these genes in an attempt of returning to homeostasis.

BMC Genomics

This phenomenon can indicate the authoritative contributors.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

This behavior can indicate the great potential of its applicability in our scientific field.

Advances in Computers

This metric can indicate how much information the fused image conveys about the reference image [40].

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Also, this behavior can indicate that the surface is not atomically smooth on the trench area.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this can indicate", ensure the connection between the antecedent and the indication is logical and clear. Avoid making unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid presenting an indication as a definitive conclusion. "This can indicate" suggests a possibility, not a certainty. Use qualifiers like "may" or "might" to maintain appropriate nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this can indicate" functions as a transitional phrase that introduces a potential explanation, implication, or consequence of a preceding statement or observation. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's a common way to connect evidence to a possible conclusion without asserting absolute certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

Wiki

24%

News & Media

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this can indicate" functions as a versatile transitional phrase, commonly used to suggest potential explanations or implications. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. The phrase is particularly prevalent in scientific and general knowledge domains, with a neutral register making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While offering a connection between ideas, it's crucial to remember that the phrase suggests possibility rather than certainty. Therefore, it's important to maintain appropriate nuance to avoid overstating any indication. As examples show, phrases such as "this suggests" or "this implies" can serve as valuable alternatives, offering nuanced ways to introduce potential interpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this suggests

Emphasizes a less direct implication compared to "this can indicate".

this implies

Highlights a logical consequence or conclusion that can be drawn.

this might mean

Introduces a possibility or potential interpretation.

this could signify

Suggests a deeper or symbolic meaning is possible.

this may point to

Focuses on directing attention towards a specific cause or factor.

this hints at

Indicates a subtle or indirect suggestion.

this reflects

Highlights that something mirrors or shows something else.

this demonstrates

Focuses on proving or showing something clearly.

this is suggestive of

More formal and explicitly communicates that something is suggested by the previous statement.

this serves as a sign of

More formal; it emphasizes the indicative quality of a preceding observation.

FAQs

How can I use "this can indicate" in a sentence?

"This can indicate" is used to suggest a possible interpretation or outcome based on preceding information. For instance, "A sudden drop in temperature this can indicate an approaching storm."

What are some alternatives to "this can indicate"?

Alternatives include "this suggests", "this implies", or "this might mean" depending on the context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "this can indicate" in formal writing?

Yes, "this can indicate" is appropriate for formal writing, including academic and professional contexts, as it provides a measured way to introduce potential implications or conclusions.

What's the difference between "this can indicate" and "this proves"?

"This can indicate" suggests a possibility or a sign, whereas "this proves" asserts a definitive conclusion. Use "this can indicate" when you want to suggest a potential relationship or explanation without claiming absolute certainty.