Cool MateClue vs Indication
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Clue
Indication
| Clue | Indication | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kluː/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kluː/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/"]/ |
| Meaning | A hint or piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery. | A sign or suggestion that something is true or might happen. |
| Example | The detective found an important clue at the crime scene. | The sudden drop in temperature is an indication that a storm is approaching. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | good, important, useful, contain, have, hold, clue about, clue (as) to, good, important, useful, contain, have, hold, clue about, clue (as) to, good, important, useful, contain, have, hold, clue about, clue (as) to | firm, good, strong, be, serve as, have, point to something, show something, suggest something, amid indications of, amid indications that…, indication as to, (all) the indications are that…, early indications are that…, preliminary indications are that… |
| Antonyms | mystery, puzzle | confusion, ambiguity |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'clue' vs 'clueing in'., Using 'clue' as a verb incorrectly., Saying 'a clue for' instead of 'a clue to'. | Confused with 'indicate' as a verb., Using 'indication' without a clear object or context., Mixing up 'indication' with similar-sounding words like 'indecision'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'clue' in detective stories, puzzles, or games. Avoid in serious academic writing, except in case studies or psychology. | Used in both spoken and written contexts. It's more common in formal discussions, such as reports or presentations. Avoid using it in very casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Clue vs Indication
What's the difference between Clue and Indication?
Clue: A hint or piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery. Indication: A sign or suggestion that something is true or might happen.
Which is more common: Clue and Indication?
Indication is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Clue and Indication?
Indication is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Clue and Indication the same CEFR level?
Clue: B1, Indication: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Clue and Indication?
Clue: noun, Indication: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Clue: The detective found an important clue at the crime scene. Indication: The sudden drop in temperature is an indication that a storm is approaching.
Can I use Clue and Indication interchangeably?
Not always. Clue and Indication are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.