to indicate

USAGE SUMMARY

"to indicate" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to suggest or explain a meaning or point. For example, "The low humming sound of the bees seemed to indicate that the hive was busy and active."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

North rebid four diamonds to indicate hearts.

The New York Times

Or so this speech seems to indicate.

The New Yorker

Icons to indicate authorised sites?

The Guardian - Tech

I was to indicate what I wanted.

The New Yorker

He rolls his hands to indicate progress.

The Guardian - Sport

"There is no evidence to indicate otherwise.

The New York Times

To indicate, he extends two fingers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On Facebook, to indicate an unattractive woman.

The New Yorker

Still, his overture appeared to indicate flexibility.

The New York Times

Phrase used to indicate agreement or alliance.

The New Yorker

Examples include the use of /-tana/ to indicate ablative; /-tana/ or /-kera/ to indicate genitive; and /-majjha/ to indicate locative.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "to suggest" or "to imply" to avoid repetition and add nuance to your writing. For example, instead of "The data to indicate a trend", try "The data to suggest a trend".

Common error

While "to indicate" is perfectly acceptable, relying on it too often can make your writing sound monotonous. Replace it with stronger verbs like "demonstrate", "prove", or "confirm" for a more impactful message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to indicate" functions as an infinitive of purpose. It clarifies the intention behind an action or a piece of evidence. Ludwig examples showcase its role in specifying what something aims to show or signify. It helps connecting an action with its intended outcome, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to indicate" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to show purpose, often found in formal writing, news, and academic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While widely accepted, varying your language with synonyms like "to suggest", "to imply", or "to demonstrate" can improve your writing style. Remember to use "to indicate" when you want to clarify the intention or objective behind a symbol, action, or piece of information, ensuring clear communication. Using examples from Ludwig, it is clear that the authoritative sources consider "to indicate" as a correct and valid sentence to make your writing more clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to signify

Focuses on the act of being a sign or symbol of something.

to represent

Emphasizes the role of standing in for or symbolizing something else.

to demonstrate

Highlights the act of proving or showing something clearly.

to imply

Suggests something without directly stating it.

to suggest

Offers a hint or possibility without firm assertion.

as an indication of

Rephrases the phrase using a noun form, focusing on the indication itself.

to be indicative of

Uses an adjective form to describe something that serves as an indication.

to point out

Focuses on directing attention to a specific detail or fact.

to mark

Emphasizes the act of setting something apart or identifying it.

to evidence

Highlights the provision of proof or support for something.

FAQs

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

You can use "to indicate" to show the purpose of something, such as "She used hand gestures "to indicate" her needs" or "The results "to indicate" a positive trend".

What are some alternatives I can use instead of "to indicate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to suggest", "to imply", "to demonstrate", or "to signify".

Is it better to use "to indicate" or "indicating"?

The choice between "to indicate" and "indicating" depends on the sentence structure. Use "to indicate" as an infinitive to show purpose or intention. Use "indicating" as a participle to describe something, such as "Data indicating a trend".

What's the difference between "to indicate" and "to imply"?

"To indicate" is generally more direct, meaning to point something out clearly. "To imply" is more subtle, meaning to suggest something without explicitly stating it. For instance, "The results "to indicate" a correlation" versus "His tone "to imply" disapproval".