Cool MateClues vs Indicator
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Clues
Top 2,000 (common)
Indicator
Top 1,000 (very common)C1noun
Most common: Indicator
| Clues | Indicator | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kluːz//🇺🇸 //kluːz// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɪndɪkeɪtə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɪndɪkeɪtər/"]/ |
| Meaning | Hints that help you solve a problem or mystery. | Something that shows or points out a condition or situation. |
| Example | The detective found several useful clues at the scene of the crime. | The economic indicators are better than expected. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | give clues, follow clues, find clues, provide clues, search for clues | accurate, good, reliable, be, serve as, provide (somebody with), point to something, show something, suggest something, indicator for |
| Antonyms | obscurity, mystery | misleading sign, confusion |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'clue' as singular with 'clues' as plural., Using 'clues' in non-mystery contexts without proper explanation., Mixing 'clue' with unrelated terms like evidence. | Confusing 'indicator' with 'indicator light' which is a more specific term., Using 'indicate' as a noun instead of 'indicator'., Mistaking it for a verb and using it incorrectly in sentences. |
| Usage notes | Use 'clues' in contexts like solving puzzles or mysteries. Avoid in formal writing without proper context. | Used in both formal and informal contexts to refer to signs or signals of something. Avoid using in overly casual speech. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Clues vs Indicator
What's the difference between Clues and Indicator?
Clues: Hints that help you solve a problem or mystery. Indicator: Something that shows or points out a condition or situation.
Which is more common: Clues and Indicator?
Indicator is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Clues: The detective found several useful clues at the scene of the crime. Indicator: The economic indicators are better than expected.
Can I use Clues and Indicator interchangeably?
Not always. Clues and Indicator 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.