Cool MateIndication vs When their omens favor war
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Indication
When their omens favor war
| Indication | When their omens favor war | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //wɛn ðɛə ˈəʊmənz ˈfeɪvə wɔː//🇺🇸 //wɛn ðɛr ˈoʊmənz ˈfeɪvər wɔr// |
| Meaning | A sign or suggestion that something is true or might happen. | A sign or warning that suggests fighting or conflict is likely. |
| Example | The sudden drop in temperature is an indication that a storm is approaching. | The soothsayer proclaimed, 'When their omens favor war, prepare for battle.' |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less 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… | omen of war, favor war outcomes, war signs, favor conflict, warnings of battle |
| Antonyms | confusion, ambiguity | - |
| 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'. | Using 'omen' in the plural form incorrectly as 'omens'., Confusing 'favor' with 'favorably', which changes the meaning., Misunderstanding 'war' as a current event rather than a metaphor. |
| 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. | This phrase is used in historical or literary contexts. It may feel overly dramatic in casual conversation. |
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Frequently asked questions: Indication vs When their omens favor war
What's the difference between Indication and When their omens favor war?
Indication: A sign or suggestion that something is true or might happen. When their omens favor war: A sign or warning that suggests fighting or conflict is likely.
Which is more formal: Indication and When their omens favor war?
When their omens favor war is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Indication and When their omens favor war?
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. When their omens favor war: The soothsayer proclaimed, 'When their omens favor war, prepare for battle.'
Can I use Indication and When their omens favor war interchangeably?
Not always. Indication and When their omens favor war 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.