direct suggestion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "direct suggestion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a clear and straightforward recommendation or proposal made to someone. Example: "The teacher provided a direct suggestion to improve the student's writing skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Even after more than a decade, somebody as powerful as Microsoft's Bill Gates still avoids the direct suggestion that Chinese censorship is wrong, choosing merely to suggest that it is not relevant.

The Guardian - Tech

As for the use of a further euro4.5m of company money to fund his divorce, the former CEO suggested that this had been done at the direct suggestion of François Mitterrand, then France's president, who had been keen to ensure that Mr Le Floch-Prigent's estranged wife did not reveal any embarrassing secrets about Elf.In this section The unions say no.

The Economist

Highly suggestible people seem likely to dream as they are told to do while under hypnosis, but the influence of direct suggestion during ordinary wakefulness seems quite limited.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now, while it's meant to be the devil in this instance – or, rather, a more direct suggestion of the devil than Randall Flagg's usual appearances – that particular being is never mentioned by name.

The Guardian - Books

"It was towards the end of this same year that Thomas first began to write poetry himself," Haines recorded, "and he did so certainly on the indirect, and I believe on the direct, suggestion of Frost, who thought that verse might prove that perfect mode of self-expression which Thomas had perhaps never previously found".

The Guardian - Books

While many industry watchers have questioned Sun's strategy and its ability to compete with rivals, this is the first direct suggestion that McNealy, who co-founded Sun in 1982, should be replaced.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The next round of the campaign, with a budget of $68.4 million, keeps the theme, but adds more direct suggestions.

The New York Times

"Very few people experience no sensation of hypnotism, many people respond to ideomoto-ideosensory direct suggestions, such as lifting your arm involuntarily, and a small group of people respond to cognitive suggestions which impact memory and perception".

Independent

On Thursday Mr Shaw told the BBC the force had "taken a hit on confidence" and added it had been "intensely frustrating" that many media channels had made "pretty direct suggestions that I've covered something up".

BBC

The third result supports a scenario in which direct suggestions from neighbors with whom an explicit communication exists have a stronger influencing power than the automated notification system and, in particular, the fourth result suggests that adoption is at least partially triggered by direct recommendations received by earlier adopters.

EPJ Data Science

Like a skilled hypnotherapist, she gave me several direct suggestions: Put down the phone.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "direct suggestion", ensure that the context clearly indicates who is making the suggestion and to whom it is directed to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "direct suggestion" excessively in formal academic or business writing. Opt for more sophisticated vocabulary to convey precision and authority, such as "explicit recommendation" or "unequivocal proposal".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "direct suggestion" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in indicating a clear and unambiguous recommendation or piece of advice.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "direct suggestion" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a clear and unambiguous recommendation or piece of advice. Ludwig AI indicates it is a usable expression, and our analysis shows it appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. While it may not be the most sophisticated choice for formal writing, it effectively conveys a straightforward recommendation. Alternatives such as "explicit recommendation" or "clear recommendation" offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone. Overall, "direct suggestion" is a useful term to have in your writing toolkit for conveying direct guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear recommendation

Replaces "direct suggestion" with a more concise alternative conveying the same meaning.

explicit recommendation

Replaces "suggestion" with "recommendation" and "direct" with "explicit", emphasizing clarity.

express recommendation

Similar to "explicit recommendation", focusing on openly stated advice.

forthright recommendation

Emphasizes the honesty and directness of the recommendation.

straightforward advice

Uses "advice" instead of "suggestion" and "straightforward" in place of "direct", highlighting the simplicity of the guidance.

unequivocal proposal

Employs "proposal" instead of "suggestion" and "unequivocal" in place of "direct", stressing the absence of ambiguity.

definite guidance

Uses "guidance" instead of "suggestion" and "definite" instead of "direct", signifying a specific direction.

candid advice

Suggests openness and honesty in the suggestion.

precise instruction

Substitutes "suggestion" with "instruction" and "direct" with "precise", highlighting accuracy.

blunt suggestion

This alternative focuses more on a rude, honest, and to-the-point advice.

FAQs

What does "direct suggestion" mean?

A "direct suggestion" is a clear and straightforward recommendation or piece of advice. It lacks ambiguity and clearly indicates the recommended action.

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

You can use it to describe advice given without hesitation or vagueness. For example: "The manager gave a "direct suggestion" to improve efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "direct suggestion"?

Alternatives include "explicit recommendation", "clear recommendation", or "straightforward advice", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "direct suggestion" and "indirect suggestion"?

Yes, a "direct suggestion" is explicit and clear, while an indirect suggestion is subtle and implied. An indirect suggestion requires the recipient to infer the recommended action, whereas a "direct suggestion" does not.