Hardly suggest

USAGE SUMMARY

"hardly suggest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is unlikely or improbable, or to give an indirect or subtle warning. For example: "John's behavior in the office has been erratic lately, so I hardly suggest that he be allowed to handle any important projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The ambience would hardly suggest anything as basic as bread.

The New York Times

These hardly suggest the "underclass" the article claims.

The New York Times

Still, the statistics on dividends hardly suggest that the overall economy is strong.

The New York Times

The findings, though preliminary, hardly suggest that fish and irrigated farming can't live in harmony.

The New York Times

These figures hardly suggest that the American public is implacably opposed to fighting another ground war.

The New Yorker

Statistics, however, hardly suggest that the chaebol have been feverishly ridding themselves of debt.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

That hardly suggests a dramatic slowdown.

The Economist

All this hardly suggests dramatic restructuring.

The Economist

Which hardly suggests an open, collaborative relationship of trust.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm hardly suggesting anything outré or avant garde.

The Guardian - Opinion

This hardly suggests that Gani is an Islamic State fan.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hardly suggest", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand what the alternative outcome or interpretation might be. This prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "hardly suggest" when you mean to strongly negate something. The phrase implies a weak or subtle contradiction, not a complete denial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hardly suggest" functions as a qualifier, subtly negating an implication or indication. It serves to weaken a potential conclusion rather than outright deny it. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. Examples in Ludwig highlight this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hardly suggest" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that functions to subtly negate an implication. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in News & Media, used to express doubt or skepticism without being overly assertive. When using this phrase, ensure the context provides sufficient information for the reader to understand the alternative viewpoint. Avoid using it to convey strong negation, as it implies a weak connection, and its register is generally neutral. Alternatives include "barely indicate" or "scarcely imply", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hardly prove

This alternative highlights that there's a lack of evidence of something.

Hardly demonstrate

This points to a lack of visible or clear evidence.

Barely indicate

This alternative emphasizes the minimal level of indication, suggesting a very faint connection.

Scarcely imply

This highlights the rarity or infrequency of the implication, making it subtle and easy to overlook.

Weakly imply

This underlines the lack of strength in the implication, making it tentative and uncertain.

Faintly hint

This suggests a gentle or subtle suggestion, almost to the point of being unnoticeable.

Barely intimate

This option underscores the delicate and subtle nature of the suggestion.

Remotely indicate

This conveys that the indication exists but is distant and not immediately apparent.

Doesn't really show

A more informal alternative, it emphasizes that something lacks clear evidence or demonstration.

Doesn't necessarily mean

This alternative focuses on the lack of a definite consequence or logical connection.

FAQs

How can I use "hardly suggest" in a sentence?

You can use "hardly suggest" to imply that something is unlikely or that there is little evidence to support a particular conclusion. For example, "The low attendance numbers hardly suggest that the event was a success."

What are some alternatives to "hardly suggest"?

Alternatives to "hardly suggest" include "barely indicate", "scarcely imply", or "faintly hint". These phrases all convey a weak or subtle indication.

Is it better to say "hardly suggest" or "doesn't suggest at all"?

"Hardly suggest" implies a subtle lack of indication, while "doesn't suggest at all" is a stronger, more definitive statement. The best choice depends on the degree of negation you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "hardly suggest" and "strongly suggest"?

"Hardly suggest" implies a weak or doubtful connection, whereas "strongly suggest" indicates a compelling reason to believe something. They are near opposites in meaning.