was indicative of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was indicative of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that shows or suggests a particular idea or situation. Example: The sudden increase in sales was indicative of a growing demand for organic products.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was indicative of till deformation.

Nature

The crumbling was indicative of brittle failure.

Soil and Tillage Research

This was indicative of niche segregation.

Biosystems

Pera said that was indicative of Harden's uncomplicated nature.

The New York Times - Sports

The dedication was indicative of the book's tone.

The New York Times - Books

Perhaps it was indicative of Edward's secretly misanthropic self.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yesterday's meek surrender was indicative of their performances.

The Guardian - Sport

The sending off was indicative of Inter's inability to cope.

The New York Times - Sports

It was indicative of the Mets' inability to generate offense.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was indicative of the culture," Dambly said.

The New York Times - Sports

Some of this evidence was indicative of Delaney's guilt of the offenses charged in the indictment.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was indicative of", ensure the connection between the observation and the underlying cause is clear and logical to avoid ambiguity. Provide sufficient context for the reader to understand the relationship.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something "was indicative of" a particular outcome, it directly caused that outcome. "Indication" suggests a relationship or sign, but doesn't prove causation. Always consider other potential factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was indicative of" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject with a predicate adjective that describes a quality or characteristic of the subject. It suggests that the subject serves as evidence or a sign of something else. As shown by Ludwig, it's a standard grammatical construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was indicative of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that suggests a sign or symptom of something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard phrase. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic writing, it serves to connect an observation with a broader context. To ensure clear communication, avoid assuming causation based solely on indication. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "suggested", "pointed to", or "signified", adjusting based on the intended nuance. By understanding its usage, potential pitfalls, and available alternatives, you can effectively incorporate this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggested

Direct replacement focusing on the act of hinting or implying without explicitly stating.

pointed to

Emphasizes the role of directing attention or highlighting a specific cause or effect.

signified

Stresses the meaning or representation aspect of the action.

demonstrated

Focuses on displaying evidence or proof of something.

revealed

Highlights the act of uncovering or making something known.

showed

A more general term indicating the act of displaying or making visible.

hinted at

Implies a subtle or indirect suggestion, less direct than "was indicative of".

was a symptom of

Specifically implies the existence of an underlying issue or problem.

gave evidence of

Highlights the provision of proof or confirmation.

testified to

Emphasizes a formal declaration or confirmation, often in a legal or authoritative context.

FAQs

How can I use "was indicative of" in a sentence?

Use "was indicative of" to suggest that something serves as a sign or symptom of something else. For instance, "The decline in sales "was indicative of" a broader economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "was indicative of"?

You can use alternatives like "suggested", "pointed to", or "signified" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative offers a slightly different shade of meaning.

Is it always appropriate to use "was indicative of" in formal writing?

Yes, "was indicative of" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure that its usage is precise and that there's a clear connection between the indicative element and what it signifies.

What's the difference between "was indicative of" and "was a result of"?

"Was indicative of" implies a sign or symptom, whereas "was a result of" implies direct causation. For example, "The red sky at night "was indicative of" good weather", but "The flood "was a result of" heavy rainfall".