Cool MateIndication vs Signals
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Indication
Top 1,000 (very common)B2noun
Signals
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Indication
| Indication | Signals | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈsɪɡnəlz//🇺🇸 //ˈsɪɡnəlz// |
| Meaning | A sign or suggestion that something is true or might happen. | Messages or signs that tell something. |
| Example | The sudden drop in temperature is an indication that a storm is approaching. | She noticed the signals from her friend that he wanted to leave the party. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | 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… | send signals, receive signals, clear signals, interpret signals, social signals |
| Antonyms | confusion, ambiguity | silence, inaction |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'indicate' as a verb., Using 'indication' without a clear object or context., Mixing up 'indication' with similar-sounding words like 'indecision'. | Confusing 'signal' as a noun vs. verb form., Using 'signal' in singular when referring to multiple signs., Mixing up the meaning of 'signal' in technical versus everyday language. |
| Usage notes | 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. | Use 'signals' in both formal and informal contexts. It can refer to physical signs or metaphorical indications in discussions. |
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Frequently asked questions: Indication vs Signals
What's the difference between Indication and Signals?
Indication: A sign or suggestion that something is true or might happen. Signals: Messages or signs that tell something.
Which is more common: Indication and Signals?
Indication is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Indication: The sudden drop in temperature is an indication that a storm is approaching. Signals: She noticed the signals from her friend that he wanted to leave the party.
Can I use Indication and Signals interchangeably?
Not always. Indication and Signals 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.