Cool MateIndication vs Show of hands
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Indication
Top 1,000 (very common)B2noun
Show of hands
Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: Indication
| Indication | Show of hands | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ʃoʊ əv hændz//🇺🇸 //ʃoʊ əv hændz// |
| Meaning | A sign or suggestion that something is true or might happen. | A way to ask people to raise their hands to vote or agree. |
| Example | The sudden drop in temperature is an indication that a storm is approaching. | The teacher asked for a show of hands to see who completed the homework. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (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… | take a show of hands, count the show of hands, ask for a show of hands |
| 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'. | Confused with 'raise your hand' which is more specific., Using it in formal contexts where a written vote is more appropriate. |
| 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. | Used in group settings like meetings or classrooms. It's informal but accepted in neutral contexts. Not suitable for formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Indication vs Show of hands
What's the difference between Indication and Show of hands?
Indication: A sign or suggestion that something is true or might happen. Show of hands: A way to ask people to raise their hands to vote or agree.
Which is more common: Indication and Show of hands?
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. Show of hands: The teacher asked for a show of hands to see who completed the homework.
Can I use Indication and Show of hands interchangeably?
Not always. Indication and Show of hands 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.