Cool MateIndicate vs Signal
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Indicate
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Signal
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
| Indicate | Signal | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɪndɪkeɪt/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪts/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪd/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɪndɪkeɪt/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪts/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪd/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈsɪɡnəl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsɪɡnəl/"]/ |
| Meaning | to show or point out something | A sign or message that tells someone something. |
| Example | Please indicate your choice on the ballot. | The radio signal was weak, making it difficult to hear the news. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | verb | noun |
| Collocations | clearly, strongly, not necessarily, appear to, seem to, be used to, to, indicate otherwise, clearly, strongly, not necessarily, appear to, seem to, be used to, to, indicate otherwise | clear, unmistakable, agreed, give (somebody), make, send, come from something, indicate something, at a signal, on a signal, signal for, railroad, railway, traffic, operate, be on red/green, be red/green, fail, box, failure, faint, weak, strong, carry, pass, relay, travel, fade, intensity, strength, signal from, signal to, clear, unmistakable, agreed, give (somebody), make, send, come from something, indicate something, at a signal, on a signal, signal for |
| Antonyms | hide, ignore, conceal | noise, silence |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'indicate' vs 'demonstrate', Using 'indicate' with subject without an object, Misplacing the verb tense, e.g., 'indicated' when now is meant | Confused with 'sign' — remember 'signal' is an act of sending a message., Using the wrong preposition, e.g., 'signal to' instead of 'signal for'., Mispronunciation, often saying 'sig-nal' instead of 'sig-nuhl'. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in both written and spoken English. Appropriate in formal and academic contexts; less frequent in casual conversations. Not typically used when giving direct orders. | Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. In technical settings, it may refer to electromagnetic signals or communication. Avoid in very casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Indicate vs Signal
What's the difference between Indicate and Signal?
Indicate: to show or point out something Signal: A sign or message that tells someone something.
Are Indicate and Signal the same CEFR level?
Indicate: B1, Signal: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Indicate and Signal?
Indicate: verb, Signal: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Indicate: Please indicate your choice on the ballot. Signal: The radio signal was weak, making it difficult to hear the news.
Can I use Indicate and Signal interchangeably?
Not always. Indicate and Signal 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.