indicated
indicated — verb
- indicatedpresent simple I / you / we / they
- indicateds3rd person singular
- indicateding-ing form
- indicatededpast simple
1. to draw attention to a fact, object, or person so that others notice it, for exa
to draw attention to a fact, object, or person so that others notice it, for example by pointing, explaining, or providing information
Sofia indicated the error in the report by underlining the incorrect numbers.
indicate + noun phrase for pointing to something specific
The survey results indicate that most residents prefer safer bicycle lanes.
indicate + that-clause for showing evidence
Brandon nodded to indicate that he understood the instructions.
The tour guide indicated the mountain peak visible far in the distance.
Emre's quick reply indicated he had already finished checking the files.
- show
more general, less formal
- point out
more direct, often involves physically pointing
- demonstrate
implies showing through evidence or proof, more formal
- signal
involves an intentional gesture or action
文法句型
indicate + noun phrase
indicate + that-clause
常見錯誤
2. to use the blinking direction light on a vehicle so that drivers nearby know you
to use the blinking direction light on a vehicle so that drivers nearby know you are about to change direction while driving
Mira indicated left for several seconds before pulling into the driveway.
indicate + direction (left/right)
The driver behind honked because Owen had not indicated before changing lanes.
Always indicate for at least three seconds before making a turn on the motorway.
Kemi checked her mirror and indicated right to move into the fast lane.
- signal
the preferred term in American English
- put on one's indicator
informal, used in British English
文法句型
indicate + direction (left/right)
用法筆記
Common in British English; in American English 'use a turn signal' or 'signal' is preferred.
常見錯誤
3. to show a measurement, number, or condition on a gauge, screen, dial, or other i
to show a measurement, number, or condition on a gauge, screen, dial, or other instrument
The dashboard thermometer indicated a temperature of thirty-eight degrees outside.
indicate + measurement for displaying a value
Mayumi's phone battery icon indicated only fifteen percent charge remaining.
The pressure gauge indicated that the tyre needed more air.
A steady green light on the machine indicates that the system is working normally.
文法句型
indicate + noun phrase (measurement/value)
indicate + that-clause
用法筆記
Subject is always a device, gauge, meter, or similar instrument. Never use this sense with a human subject.
4. to suggest that a particular action, choice, or thing is the right or advisable
to suggest that a particular action, choice, or thing is the right or advisable one in a given situation
Hari's teacher indicated that extra tutoring would help him prepare for the exam.
indicate + that-clause for suggesting a course of action
The company policy indicated early retirement as an option for senior staff.
indicate + noun phrase as [option]
The weather report indicated that taking an umbrella would be wise today.
For muscle pain after exercise, a warm bath is often indicated.
文法句型
indicate + noun phrase as suitable
be indicated for + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often passive (something is indicated). Common in policies, medical advice, and recommendation contexts.
5. to be a physical sign or outward evidence that something else exists, has happen
to be a physical sign or outward evidence that something else exists, has happened, or is happening
A high fever often indicates that the body is fighting an infection.
indicate + that-clause for medical signs
The dark clouds gathering over the hills indicated that a storm was approaching.
Yan's red eyes indicated he had been up very late studying for the final exam.
Increased traffic on the bridge indicates that the holiday weekend has begun.
文法句型
indicate + noun phrase
indicate + that-clause
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: this sense describes something that passively reveals a condition (e.g., a symptom reveals illness), whereas sense 1 involves an active attempt to draw attention.
6. to say or write something in a short and direct way, without adding extra detail
to say or write something in a short and direct way, without adding extra details or explanations
In her email, Diya indicated that she would arrive on Tuesday afternoon.
indicate + that-clause for brief written communication
The manager indicated in a short memo that all staff should attend the safety training.
Witnesses indicated they had seen a blue car leaving the scene around midnight.
The contract indicated a completion date of December fifteenth.
文法句型
indicate + that-clause
indicate + noun phrase
7. to be the medical remedy that doctors judge to be suitable for a specific diseas
to be the medical remedy that doctors judge to be suitable for a specific disease, injury, or condition
Antibiotics are indicated for patients who have bacterial pneumonia.
passive: be indicated for + medical condition
This medication is indicated only when other pain relief methods have failed.
Surgery was indicated after the MRI showed a torn ligament in Jude's knee.
The specialist indicated rest and physical therapy for Ilan's lower back pain.
- contraindicate
medical term meaning that a treatment should NOT be used
- rule out
informal, to decide against a treatment
文法句型
be indicated for + medical condition
be indicated + as treatment
用法筆記
Almost always used in the passive voice ('is indicated', 'was indicated') or with a human subject who is a medical professional. In everyday use, doctors say 'antibiotics are indicated' rather than 'antibiotics indicate'.