it can suggest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can suggest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something has the potential to imply or indicate a certain idea or meaning. Example: "The data collected from the survey is quite revealing; it can suggest a shift in consumer preferences over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

It can suggest Suzanne Vega's studio work, Neil Young's Crazy Horse or the latter-day Wilco.

The New York Times

It can suggest a misunderstanding of disability and the impact it has on us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Others say it can suggest a clinical trial or an experimental drug.

The New York Times - Health

Behavioural economics is controversial because it can suggest interfering with personal choices.

The Economist

I don't understand music but I love the way that it can suggest things to you".

Independent

But it can suggest a plain-spoken, unadulterated awe, too, a reverence for life, not simply technique.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

It can suggests that only one gene (type I) is translated in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 or they are both differently expressed in reaction on various environmental conditions.

Plosone

If you're careful with it you can suggest so much of a character without recourse to the Dear Reader voice".

The Guardian - Books

It also can suggest alternative routes.

TechCrunch

It also can suggest a more complicated issue such as medication side effects, which require more creative solutions.

Los Angeles Times

In addition, it means that friends can suggest places they should add to their lists, too.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it can suggest" to introduce a possible interpretation or implication based on available information, avoiding definitive statements.

Common error

Avoid using "it can suggest" when the evidence strongly supports a definitive conclusion; instead, opt for phrases like "it proves" or "it demonstrates".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can suggest" functions as a modal verb phrase. As noted by Ludwig AI, it introduces a proposition or interpretation without asserting it as a definite fact. It softens the statement, proposing a possible connection or implication.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can suggest" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to introduce potential interpretations or implications. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and widespread use in news, science, and business contexts make it a reliable choice for expressing reasoned hypotheses. Remember to use it when you want to offer a suggestion without making a definitive claim, and avoid overstating the implication. Consider alternatives like "it implies" or "it indicates" for stronger assertions. By mastering the nuances of this phrase, you can enhance the precision and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may suggest

Adds a degree of uncertainty by using 'may' instead of 'can'.

it could suggest

Similar to 'may suggest', indicating possibility.

it indicates

Similar to 'implies', but often used when the suggestion is more evident or factual.

it implies

Directly states that something indicates something else, offering a slightly stronger sense of indication.

it points to

Suggests direction or focus toward a particular conclusion or idea.

it signifies

Implies a deeper meaning or symbolic representation.

it infers

Indicates a conclusion reached based on evidence or reasoning.

it hints at

Indicates a subtle or indirect suggestion.

it alludes to

Suggests something indirectly or by reference.

it intimates

Communicates subtly and indirectly.

FAQs

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

Use "it can suggest" to propose a potential interpretation or outcome based on the available information. For instance, "The increase in sales can suggest a growing interest in the product".

What are some alternatives to "it can suggest"?

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

Is it better to use "it can suggest" or "it suggests"?

"It can suggest" indicates a possibility, while "it suggests" implies a stronger degree of certainty. Choose the option that best reflects the strength of the evidence and the confidence in the suggestion.

What's the difference between "it can suggest" and "it may suggest"?

While very similar, "it may suggest" emphasizes the uncertainty or possibility of the suggestion more than "it can suggest", which implies a general potential.