a suggestion of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a suggestion of" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a slight or subtle hint or indication of something. Example: There was a suggestion of sadness in her voice as she spoke about her past.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's a suggestion of robot sex.

The New York Times - Arts

The inquiry was not prompted by a suggestion of corruption.

The New York Times

There is a suggestion of humor in his face.

The New Yorker

"Kenny" was a suggestion of his older brother, Peter.

Independent

There's a suggestion of a wedding, and also of bandages.

The New York Times - Arts

(There's a suggestion of prep to pastels, after all).

The New York Times

This he said with perhaps a suggestion of a smirk.

The New Yorker

Maybe they can incorporate a suggestion of the bride's mother.

The New York Times

This "Dangerous Liaisons" carries a suggestion of contemporary commentary too.

The New York Times

Still time to make a suggestion of your own.

The Guardian

When there is a suggestion of fabrication, we turn away.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a suggestion of" to subtly introduce an idea or possibility without stating it directly. This is useful when you want to be tactful or avoid making a strong assertion.

Common error

Be mindful of relying too heavily on "a suggestion of". Direct language is often more effective. If the context requires clarity, consider stating your point more explicitly rather than using the phrase as a crutch for avoiding confrontation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a suggestion of" functions as a hedge, softening a statement by implying something indirectly. It indicates a subtle hint or possibility rather than a direct assertion. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a suggestion of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce ideas with subtlety and tact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a hedge, softening statements and inviting interpretation rather than making direct assertions. It is frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its suitability for both objective reporting and cautious scientific claims. When writing, be mindful of overusing this phrase to avoid directness where clarity is needed. Alternatives like ""a hint of"" or ""an indication of"" can provide similar nuances depending on the specific context. The phrase enjoys a high source quality score and expert rating due to its correct grammatical structure and frequent usage in authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of

This alternative implies a subtle indication, similar to "a suggestion of", but perhaps even less direct.

an indication of

This phrase is more direct than "a suggestion of", implying a clearer sign or symptom.

a trace of

This implies a very small amount or subtle presence, similar to a faint suggestion.

a touch of

This is often used for intangible qualities or flavors, implying a delicate presence.

a sign of

This phrase indicates something that points to the existence or occurrence of something else.

a feeling of

This suggests a sensed emotion or atmosphere, offering a subjective experience.

an element of

This highlights a component or aspect of something, less about a hint and more about inclusion.

a glimmer of

This phrase evokes a faint or fleeting sign, especially of hope or understanding.

an overtone of

This refers to a subtle, underlying quality or meaning that is implied rather than explicitly stated.

a suspicion of

This implies a slight degree of doubt or mistrust, rather than a simple suggestion.

FAQs

How can I use "a suggestion of" in a sentence?

Use "a suggestion of" to introduce a subtle hint or possibility. For example, "There was "a suggestion of doubt" in his voice" indicates he wasn't entirely convinced.

What are some alternatives to "a suggestion of"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "a hint of", "an indication of", or "a trace of". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to be direct or use "a suggestion of"?

It depends on the situation. Directness is often clearer and more efficient, but "a suggestion of" can be useful when tact is required or when you want to introduce an idea tentatively.

Can "a suggestion of" imply something negative?

Yes, it can. For example, "There was "a suggestion of dishonesty" in his dealings" implies a negative assessment of someone's actions.