What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
signalled
Example
The referee signalled the end of the game with a blow of his whistle. [signalled: verb]
Example
The flashing red light signalled an emergency situation. [signalled: past tense]
indicate
Example
The map indicates the location of the nearest gas station. [indicates: verb]
Example
The doctor indicated that the patient should rest for a few days. [indicated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Indicate is more commonly used than signalled in everyday language, especially in American English. Indicate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while signalled is less common and may be associated with a more formal or official tone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between signalled and indicate?
Signalled is typically associated with a more formal or official tone, while indicate can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
