What does indicator mean?
Word: Indicator
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Indicator means a light on a car that flashes on and off to tell other road users which way it is going to go.
How do you spell indicator?
Syllables: in - di - ca - tor
Tricky part: The word ends in -or, not -er, even though the last sound is said like the end of teacher.
Watch out for: indicater, indikator
Memory tip: Picture the round o near the end as the flashing light itself, blinking on and off: -or.
Indicator in a sentence
Example 1: Papa switched on the left indicator before turning into our lane.
Example 2: The bus driver forgot to switch off his indicator after the turn.
Example 3: A broken indicator should be fixed before the car goes on a long trip.
Fun Fact
Before cars had flashing indicators, drivers stuck an arm out of the window to show which way they would turn, and cyclists still do this today.
Practise the CREST Way
Spellacadabra
Choose the correct option to make a meaningful word:
ind_cator
a) e
b) u
c) a
d) i
Show answer
d) i. The second vowel is the same short i that begins the word.
Jumble Tumble
Which option has letters that you can rearrange to form the name of a part of a car?
a) tkanoridi
b) tasnoridi
c) tacnoridi
d) tacnoridip
Show answer
c) tacnoridi. Tacnoridi sorts into indicator; the others carry a k, an s or an extra p that do not belong.
Sound Check
Which word does not rhyme with the given word?
indicator
a) alligator
b) calculator
c) escalator
d) director
Show answer
d) director. Director ends with an ector sound; the other three end with ay-tor, just like indicator.
Word Champ
Which of the words cannot be made using the letters in the given word?
indicator
a) radio
b) card
c) train
d) doctor
Show answer
d) doctor. Doctor uses the letter o twice; indicator has a single o.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which of these is also a kind of indicator?
a) the handle of a car door
b) a cover for a car seat
c) a spare tyre in the boot
d) the needle on a fuel gauge
Show answer
d) the needle on a fuel gauge
2. A car ahead starts flashing its indicator at a crossroads. What is the wisest thing for a cyclist behind it to do?
a) speed up and ride past it
b) ride down the middle of the road
c) stop looking at the road
d) slow down and let it turn
Show answer
d) slow down and let it turn
