indicative
B2Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
Serving as a sign or evidence of something; pointing out or suggesting.
In grammar, the mood of the verb used for ordinary statements and questions, expressing facts or objective reality.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Indicative" is primarily used as an adjective. It is often followed by the prepositions 'of' or 'that' when indicating evidence or a sign. As a noun ("the indicative"), it is a specific grammatical term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or use. Both prefer the adjectival use. The noun 'indicative' (for the grammatical mood) is equally used in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral and formal in both. Associated with analysis, diagnosis, and evidence.
Frequency
Slightly higher in academic/professional contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be] indicative of something[be] indicative that + clauseVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A sure-fire indicative (informal, rare)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The early sales figures are indicative of a successful product launch."
Academic
"The presence of these fossils is indicative of a once-tropical climate."
Everyday
"His tone was indicative of his true feelings."
Technical
"The patient's symptoms are highly indicative of a viral infection."
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
British English
- He spoke indicatively about the future plans.
- The graph moved indicatively upward.
American English
- She nodded indicatively toward the document.
- The numbers trended indicatively higher.
adjective
British English
- The damp walls are indicative of a leak somewhere.
- His reply was indicative of his lack of interest.
American English
- The test results are indicative of a larger problem.
- Her silence was indicative of her disapproval.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A high temperature is often indicative of fever.
- Dark clouds are indicative of rain.
- Her smile was indicative of her happiness.
- The empty car park was indicative of the shop being closed.
- The survey responses were strongly indicative of customer dissatisfaction.
- In Latin, verbs can be in the indicative or subjunctive mood.
- The archaeological findings are highly indicative of a sophisticated ancient civilisation.
- The indicative mood is used to express factual statements, whereas the subjunctive expresses doubt or possibility.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: INDICATIVE = IN-DICATES something. It *indicates* or points to a fact.
Conceptual Metaphor
EVIDENCE IS A SIGNPOST (points toward a conclusion).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian "индикативный" (which is rare). The closest common equivalent is "показательный" (as in 'indicative of') or "изъявительный" (for the grammatical mood). Avoid direct translation from "индикативный" in economics; use 'indicative planning'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'indicative to' instead of 'indicative of'. Incorrect: 'The data is indicative to a trend.' Correct: 'The data is indicative of a trend.'
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'indicative' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The preposition 'of' (e.g., 'indicative of something') or a 'that' clause (e.g., 'indicative that...').
Primarily as an adjective. Its use as a noun is mostly confined to formal grammar ("the indicative mood").
Yes, but it leans towards a slightly formal register. In casual talk, people might say 'a sign of' or 'shows that' instead.
They are often synonyms, but 'indicative' can imply stronger, more direct evidence, while 'suggestive' can be more subtle or hinting, and also has other meanings (e.g., risqué).