is suggestive of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is suggestive of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that a particular thing has some kind of relationship or implication with another thing. For example, "The bright colors of the painting are suggestive of joy and energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The photograph is suggestive of both innocence and experience.

The New York Times - Books

The Medicare drug bill is suggestive of why.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is suggestive of sunshine through a slight filter.

The New York Times

The position of these insertions within several known tumor suppressor genes is suggestive of disruption.

Nature

This distribution is suggestive of synaptic receptor localization in a molecular complex.

Nature

Any positive titer in a CSF sample is suggestive of Neospora in the CNS.

Cornell University

Combined with the extremely fast kinetics, this is suggestive of a highly unstable interface.

Nature

The Hadley v. Baxendale litigation is suggestive of this speed in disposition.

Harvard University

While the histology is suggestive of poly-lactic acid, clinico-pathologic correlation is needed for confirmation.

Cornell University

A large acid peak at 3150 BC is suggestive of a volcanic event.

Stanford University

A wooden staircase, apparently constructed of chairs, is suggestive of the play's emotional uphill work.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is suggestive of" to indicate a non-definitive relationship or potential implication, leaving room for further investigation or alternative interpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "is suggestive of" when a more definitive conclusion is warranted. If the evidence strongly supports a direct relationship, use phrases like "proves" or "demonstrates" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is suggestive of" functions as a linking verb followed by a predicate adjective and a prepositional phrase. This structure connects a subject to a characteristic or potential implication. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage pattern is grammatically sound and commonly encountered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is suggestive of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate potential relationships or implications without definitive proof. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including science, news, and academia. When writing, consider using it to present possibilities and invite further exploration, as it conveys information without overstating the strength of the conclusion. Remember to use alternative phrases like "implies" or "indicates" when the context calls for a more direct expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is indicative of

This variant is a more formal and emphatic way of saying something shows a particular sign or symptom.

indicates

This term points to a clearer, more direct association or sign, often based on evidence or observation.

implies

This choice suggests a strong indirect indication, where the meaning is not explicitly stated but can be inferred.

points to

This alternative suggests a directional indication, guiding attention toward a specific conclusion or possibility.

signals

This alternative indicates a clear sign or warning, often communicating important information or a potential issue.

hints at

This alternative implies a more subtle indication or clue, often requiring interpretation.

connotes

This word emphasizes the implied or associative meaning of something, beyond its literal definition.

alludes to

This option implies a more indirect and subtle reference, often hinting at something without explicitly stating it.

intimates

This verb suggests a delicate or subtle communication of an idea or feeling, often through indirect means.

betrays

This option suggests an involuntary revelation of something that might otherwise be hidden or unnoticed.

FAQs

How to use "is suggestive of" in a sentence?

Use "is suggestive of" to imply a potential connection or indication, such as: "The data "is suggestive of" a correlation between the two variables".

What can I say instead of "is suggestive of"?

You can use alternatives like "indicates", "implies", or "hints at" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is suggestive of" or "suggests"?

Both "is suggestive of" and "suggests" are correct, but "is suggestive of" is often used to soften the claim, implying a possibility rather than a certainty. "Suggests" is more direct.

What's the difference between "is suggestive of" and "is indicative of"?

"Is suggestive of" implies a possibility or hint, while "is indicative of" implies a stronger indication or sign. The latter is more definitive.