What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
implies
Example
Her tone of voice implies that she is not happy with the situation. [implies: verb]
Example
The article implies that the company is facing financial difficulties. [implies: verb]
indicate
Example
The thermometer indicates that the temperature has dropped below freezing. [indicates: verb]
Example
The map indicates the location of the nearest hospital. [indicates: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Indicate is more commonly used than implies in everyday language. Indicate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while implies is less common and often used in more abstract or figurative contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between implies and indicate?
Both implies and indicates can be used in formal and informal contexts, but indicates is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
