which indicates or which indicate

USAGE SUMMARY

'which indicates or which indicate' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that may suggest something else. For example: "The flower's fragility, which indicates its short lifespan, is often what captivates people."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

4. Certain objects, items, or things which indicate bias were used.

Huffington Post

After digging around for the past few weeks, I still couldn't find anything on the government's website which indicates where or how refugees can apply.

Vice

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

The New Yorker

These markings, which indicate equilibrium or harmony, seem to move forward and backward in space.

The New York Times

Samavaya, or inherence, which indicates things inseparably connected.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Speed up your sledger using a red tool (line or pencil) which indicates acceleration.

WikiHow

The largest single category of items that IFAW counted were musical instruments, which indicates that most people were selling pianos or guitars or violins with ivory in-lays.

The Guardian

It is these signed documents which indicate to the lustraters whether or not someone has collaborated.

The New Yorker

2. Bias-related oral comments, written statements, or gestures were made by the offender which indicates the offender's bias.

Huffington Post

Which indicates that everyone in Spilman's audience was lowering his or her risk of Alzheimer's.

Huffington Post

In the Sophist, Plato analyzes simple statements as containing a verb (rhêma), which indicates action, and a name (onoma), which indicates the agent (Soph. 261e 262a).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which indicates or which indicate", ensure clarity by placing it close to the subject it modifies to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid shifting between singular and plural forms of "indicate" within the same sentence when using "which indicates or which indicate". Choose the form that agrees with the noun it refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which indicates or which indicate" functions as a relative clause introducer that provides additional information by specifying what something suggests or points to. The choice between "indicates" and "indicate" depends on whether the antecedent noun is singular or plural. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Wiki

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which indicates or which indicate" introduces a relative clause that clarifies the meaning or implications of a preceding noun or concept. The choice between "indicates" and "indicate" hinges on subject-verb agreement. While Ludwig confirms the phrase is grammatically correct, its frequency is relatively low, suggesting it is not the most common way to express this relationship. According to the data available, the expression could be used in different contexts, from academic writing and scientific reports to news articles and business documents. For increased clarity, ensure the phrase is positioned close to its referent. Alternatives such as "that suggests" or "which demonstrates" may be considered to avoid repetition or for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that indicates

Omits the "or" conjunction, focusing on a single indication.

which suggests

Uses "suggests" as a softer alternative to "indicates".

that points to

Replaces "indicates" with the more directional "points to".

implying that

Focuses on the implied meaning rather than direct indication.

which signifies

Uses the more formal term "signifies" in place of "indicates".

that reflects

Emphasizes the mirrored relationship between the indicator and what is indicated.

what demonstrates

Highlights the demonstrative aspect of the indication.

that reveals

Emphasizes the revealing nature of the indication.

which alludes to

Uses "alludes to" for a more indirect or subtle indication.

that hints at

Suggests a subtle or vague indication.

FAQs

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

Use "which indicates or which indicate" to introduce a clause that provides additional information about a noun, specifying what it suggests or points to. For example: "The rising unemployment rate, "which indicates" a struggling economy, is a cause for concern."

What are some alternatives to "which indicates or which indicate"?

You can use alternatives like "that suggests", "implying that", or "which signifies" depending on the context.

How do I choose between "which indicates" and "which indicate"?

Use "which indicates" when referring to a singular noun or concept and "which indicate" when referring to a plural noun or multiple concepts. The verb form should agree with the noun it modifies.

Is there a more formal way to say "which indicates or which indicate"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "which demonstrates" or "which signifies" for a more formal tone. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.