worrying indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worrying indication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a sign or signal that causes concern or anxiety about a situation or outcome. Example: "The recent drop in sales is a worrying indication of the company's financial health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Diane Abbott, Labour's spokesperson for public health, said the figures were a "worrying" indication of the state of the nation's health.

Independent

It is frustrating and a worrying indication of things to come.

The Guardian

That is both extraordinary stupidity, and a worrying indication of team priorities.

The Guardian - Sport

This, my mother always said, was the first worrying indication leading (30 years later) to divorce.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One worrying indication of the Kremlin's willingness to cut corners came this week from the outgoing justice minister, Pavel Krasheninnikov.

The Economist

Mohamed Ouzzine, the minister of youth and sports, said the crowd violence was a worrying indication of societal problems.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

His testimony also gives worrying indications of Islamist sympathies within the Pakistani army.

The Guardian

This week, incidents of violence in neighboring Lebanon, to the west, and retaliatory strikes from Israel, to the south, sent worrying indications that the three-year conflict is implicating the broader region.

Vice

But it is worrying and an indication perhaps [that] in certain quarters there is a fear of freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

The Guardian

"Six months of quiet diplomacy has achieved nothing," Senator Roth said in an interview on Sunday, adding that he was worried by indications that Ms. Kadeer would soon be put on trial.

The New York Times

Many investors were particularly worried about indications of flagging consumer spending indications again contradicted by reports from other government departments.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "worrying indication", ensure the context clearly explains what the indication points to and why it is concerning. For example: "The lack of rainfall is a worrying indication that the drought will worsen."

Common error

Avoid using "worrying indication" when the concern is already self-evident. Instead, focus on providing insightful analysis or specific details about the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worrying indication" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "worrying" modifies "indication." It highlights a specific piece of evidence or sign that raises concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "worrying indication" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that serves to highlight a concerning sign or piece of evidence. As Ludwig AI notes, it is employed across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's best to provide clear context about what the indication points to and why it's concerning. Alternatives like "troubling sign" or "alarming development" can be used for variety. While versatile, avoid overusing it when the concern is already obvious. With a strong presence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, "worrying indication" remains a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

troubling sign

Replaces "indication" with "sign", maintaining a focus on a concerning development.

alarming development

Substitutes both words for a more emphatic expression of concern.

cause for concern

Shifts from a signal to the reason behind the concern.

disturbing trend

Focuses on the pattern or direction of a worrying situation.

ominous signal

Uses a more foreboding term for "indication", suggesting a darker outcome.

serious concern

Highlights the gravity of the issue, minimizing the signaling aspect.

grounds for apprehension

Replaces the phrase with a more formal expression of worry.

reason to be worried

Phrases it as a justification for feeling uneasy.

threat signal

Emphasizes a threat that requires attention.

red flag

Uses an idiomatic expression to signal a problem.

FAQs

How can I use "worrying indication" in a sentence?

Use "worrying indication" to point out a sign or piece of evidence that suggests a problem or cause for concern. For instance, "The decline in student enrollment is a "worrying indication" of potential budget cuts".

What are some alternatives to "worrying indication"?

You can use phrases like "troubling sign", "alarming development", or "cause for concern" depending on the specific context and the level of concern you want to convey.

Is "worrying indication" a formal or informal expression?

"Worrying indication" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal or academic writing, you might consider using a more precise term like "significant indicator" or "noteworthy trend".

What's the difference between "worrying indication" and "worrying trend"?

A ""worrying indication"" is a specific sign or piece of evidence that causes concern. A "worrying trend" refers to a pattern or direction that is causing concern, often based on multiple indications over time.