which indicates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which indicates" is a valid and commonly used expression in written English.
It is often used to introduce a statement or observation which clarifies something. For example: "He was wearing a wedding ring, which indicates he is married."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

mark, which indicates slowness and confusion, or a /, which indicates disingenuous differentiation between two otherwise similar elements.

The New Yorker

Samavaya, or inherence, which indicates things inseparably connected.

Britannica

HLFs emit green fluorescence, which indicates live cells.

Nature

But maybe there should be a,? mark, which indicates slowness and confusion, or a /, which indicates disingenuous differentiation between two otherwise similar elements.

The New Yorker

/ which indicates, in turn, a willingness to correct his own first impressions.

The New York Times - Books

Haas said it was excellent, very dry champagne that's not dated which indicates a blend.

The New Yorker

"He is still claiming innocence, which indicates that the defendant has no remorse," she said.

The New Yorker

For four consecutive months, the national index has been higher than 50, which indicates growth.

The New York Times

It was the first reading below 50, which indicates a contraction, since January.

The New York Times

Not all dinosaur bones have the random pattern of tubes, which indicates fast-growing bone.

The New York Times - Science

The energy limiter controls material softening, which indicates failure.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which indicates" to clearly connect a fact or observation to its logical consequence or implication. This improves the clarity and flow of your writing.

Common error

Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "that suggests", "demonstrates", or "implies" to avoid monotony. This adds sophistication and nuance to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which indicates" functions as a relative clause introducer, connecting a preceding clause to a subsequent clause that specifies a result or consequence. Ludwig AI shows many examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which indicates" is a versatile tool for establishing logical connections in writing. It is grammatically correct and very common across diverse fields like science, news, and business. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase introduces relative clauses and points to clear implications. To enhance your writing, remember to use it thoughtfully, avoiding overuse and considering synonyms like "that suggests" or "demonstrates" for variety. Also, note that "which indicates" introduces a nonrestrictive clause and is preceded by a comma.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which demonstrates that

Adds clarity and emphasis by explicitly stating that something is being shown or proven.

that suggests

Emphasizes a subtle hint or clue, implying something indirectly.

that demonstrates

Highlights clear evidence or proof, making a strong assertion.

that reveals

Highlights the uncovering of previously unknown or hidden information.

that implies

Focuses on a logical consequence or deduction, suggesting something without explicitly stating it.

that highlights

Draws attention to a specific aspect, making it more noticeable or prominent.

that signifies

Points to a symbolic meaning or representation, adding a layer of interpretation.

that points to

Directs attention to a particular aspect or direction, guiding the reader's focus.

that underscores

Emphasizes the importance or significance of something, drawing attention to its underlying relevance.

suggesting that

Proposes a possible explanation or interpretation, leaving room for uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "which indicates" in a sentence?

Use "which indicates" to connect a preceding clause with a consequence or implication, for example: "The stock price fell sharply, which indicates a loss of investor confidence."

What are some alternatives to "which indicates"?

You can use alternatives like "that suggests", "that demonstrates", or "that implies" to vary your writing.

Is it always necessary to use a comma before "which indicates"?

Yes, when "which indicates" introduces a nonrestrictive clause (provides additional, non-essential information), it should be preceded by a comma. This helps to set off the clause and improve readability.

What's the difference between "which indicates" and "that indicates"?

"Which indicates" introduces a nonrestrictive clause and is preceded by a comma, providing additional information. "That indicates" introduces a restrictive clause and is not preceded by a comma, providing essential information that defines the noun it modifies.