to indicate that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to indicate that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the purpose of showing or pointing out something specific. Example: "The data was collected to indicate that there is a significant trend in consumer behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or to indicate that it's over?

The Guardian

This seems to indicate that she means what they say.

The Guardian - Books

But he seemed to indicate that bonuses must be paid.

The Guardian - Business

"I have nothing to indicate that," Ms. Mode said.

The New York Times

I'll put to indicate that we're in the second stage.

Yale University

How to indicate that an assignment is ready for students?

Stanford University

She was given directions for a pain noise to indicate that she had been shot once, a pain noise to indicate that she had been hit with a burst of energy, a pain noise to indicate that she had been shot while moving, a pain noise to indicate that she had been punched, a pain noise to indicate that she was nearing death, and a pain noise to indicate that she had died.

The New Yorker

Demographics seem to indicate that this trend will continue.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, this study seems to indicate that there's something there.

The Economist

Abdullah snapped his fingers to indicate that I could go.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is nothing to indicate that there is majority support for a poll".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to indicate that" when you want to subtly point out a connection or suggest an implication without explicitly stating it. This is particularly useful in formal writing where direct assertions might seem too strong.

Common error

Avoid using "to indicate that" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "to show" or "to mean" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to indicate that" functions as a connector introducing a subordinate clause that expresses the implication or significance of a preceding statement or event. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to indicate that" is a versatile phrase used to subtly suggest a meaning or implication, commonly found in formal contexts like news articles, scientific papers, and academic writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct. While highly useful for nuanced communication, it should be used judiciously in informal settings. Alternatives include "to suggest that" or "to show that" depending on the context. Remember to leverage "to indicate that" to guide your reader's understanding with finesse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to suggest that

Implies a less direct communication; hints at something rather than stating it explicitly.

to imply that

Similar to "to suggest that", but often carries a stronger sense of indirectness or insinuation.

to show that

Indicates a clear demonstration or proof of something, more direct than "to indicate that".

to demonstrate that

Similar to "to show that", emphasizing the act of proving something through evidence.

to signify that

Focuses on the symbolic meaning or representation of something.

to signal that

Implies a deliberate act of conveying information, often subtly.

to represent that

Highlights the act of symbolizing or standing for something else.

to mean that

Indicates a direct equivalence or definition.

to establish that

Focuses on proving or confirming a fact or idea.

to evidence that

Highlights the act of providing proof or support for something.

FAQs

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

Use "to indicate that" when you want to suggest or point out something without directly stating it. For example: "The rising unemployment rate seems "to indicate that" the economy is slowing down."

What are some alternatives to "to indicate that"?

Alternatives include "to suggest that", "to imply that", "to show that", or "to demonstrate that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "to indicate that"?

It is appropriate in formal writing and when you want to subtly point out a connection or implication. Avoid using it in casual contexts where simpler phrases are more suitable.

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

"To indicate that" is slightly more direct than "to suggest that". While both imply something without stating it explicitly, "to indicate that" often points to clearer evidence or a more obvious connection.