indicate + object
Showing or pointing out something
The verb usually takes a direct object without a preposition.
The data indicates a clear trend.
Indicate in vs indicate by
Indicate does not usually require a fixed preposition. In and by often introduce location or method information.
Quick answer
How are in and by used with indicate?
Indicate commonly takes a direct object: indicate a problem, indicate approval. In can show where something is indicated, while by can show the means or sign.
The report indicates a decline in sales.
Approval was indicated by a raised hand.
Approval was indicated by a raised hand.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
indicate by + sign/method
Showing how something is expressed
By introduces a signal, method, or indicator.
Agreement was indicated by silence.
indicate in + document/place
Showing where information appears
In introduces the place where something is indicated.
As indicated in the manual, the device must be charged first.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
indicate
The survey indicates strong public support.
show or point to something
indicate by
Success was indicated by rising profits.
by introduces the sign or evidence
indicate in
The issue is indicated in the appendix.
in introduces the location of the information
indicate to
The results indicate to researchers that changes are needed.
to introduces the person receiving the information
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Adding unnecessary prepositions
Indicate often works directly with its object.
✕ The graph indicates about a problem. ✓ The graph indicates a problem.Confusing indicate by and indicate in
By introduces a sign; in introduces a place or document.
✕ The answer was indicated in a smile. ✓ The answer was indicated by a smile.Using indicate for commands
Indicate means show or suggest, not order.
✓ The sign indicates the exit.Using in as a fixed complement
In usually belongs to a place or document phrase.
✓ The details are indicated in the report.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. Approval was indicated ___ applause.
2. The instructions are indicated ___ the handbook.
3. The chart indicates ___ sharp increase.
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Frequently asked questions
Does indicate need a preposition?
Usually no. It commonly takes a direct object such as indicate a trend.
When do we use indicate by?
Use by to introduce the sign, evidence, or method showing something.
Can indicate in be correct?
Yes. In often introduces the document, place, or section where something appears.
Related preposition guides
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