it suggests itself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it suggests itself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that an idea or solution comes to mind naturally or spontaneously. Example: "When considering the problem, a solution suggests itself that could simplify the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Substituting cauliflower for carbs has taken some jiggery pokery, however: it suggests itself because of that solidity, the intricacy of its fractal makeup (each stem of the curd, which is what they call the white, edible bit, is a copy of the whole).

The Guardian

It suggests itself.

The New Yorker

It suggests itself to me that he will be made Major General for distinguished and meritorious service at the Battle of Gettysburg".

The New York Times

Describing his reaction to the Wooster Group's selection of "Vieux Carré" Mr. Kaplan, curator and co-founder of the Provincetown Tennessee Williams Festival, said, "It is a tribute to the depth and complexity of Tennessee Williams's writing, particularly in the later part of his life, that it suggests itself as subject matter for what this company and this director do".

The New York Times

In this context, it suggests itself to consider three related areas in which Dedekind also applied his set-theoretic, infinitary, and structuralist approach: the theory of algebraic functions, group theory, and lattice theory.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Nancy Jo Sales: I saw an AP wire online -- it was just a four or five paragraph story, but as soon as I saw it, I said, 'I have to do it.' It suggested itself immediately as such an iconic thing, to most of the media.

Huffington Post

It only suggests itself, as does our identity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Since Google sustains Firefox - promotes it, distributes it and contributes most of the money to it - one reason suggests itself.

The Guardian - Tech

However, it is one that suggests itself more with the LOS scheme of this paper because of the calculation of the variance of speeds, where it should be intuitively clear, that it is not only the relative walking orientation of another pedestrian but also how far this pedestrian is away from me that contributes to an experienced LOS value.

European Transport Research Review

An alternative take on the mug suddenly suggests itself: is it just crap?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But when self-discipline fails, as it surely will, another rule suggests itself: if a writer is intemperate enough to reply to his critics, let him reply as intemperately as possible.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "it suggests itself" when a more direct and active verb would be clearer; for example, when someone deliberately proposes a solution.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it suggests itself" can sound somewhat passive or indirect in overly formal writing. Opt for more direct phrasing to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it suggests itself" functions as a statement indicating that a particular idea, solution, or possibility arises naturally or spontaneously from a given context. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it suggests itself" is a grammatically correct and semantically sound expression used to indicate the natural emergence of an idea or solution. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English. While relatively rare in occurrence, it finds appropriate use in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When writing, consider more direct alternatives based on your goal and audience to be more effective. The phrase is applicable in situations where an idea comes naturally, but may be too passive in situations where something deliberate is suggested.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it comes to mind

Focuses on the idea arising in one's thoughts.

it presents itself

Emphasizes the appearance or offering of something without effort.

it becomes apparent

Highlights the gradual realization or understanding.

it naturally follows

Suggests a logical sequence or consequence.

it offers itself

Implies a readily available option or opportunity.

it springs to mind

Highlights the sudden and quick appearance of an idea.

it dawns on one

Focuses on a sudden realization or understanding.

it hits one

Conveys a sudden and impactful realization.

it emerges

Highlights the process of something becoming visible or known.

it materializes

Suggests something becoming real or concrete.

FAQs

How can I use "it suggests itself" in a sentence?

You can use "it suggests itself" to indicate that an idea or solution arises naturally from a situation. For example: "Considering the data, a new approach "it suggests itself"."

What are some alternatives to "it suggests itself"?

Alternatives include "it comes to mind", "it presents itself", or "it becomes apparent", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it suggests itself" formal or informal?

The phrase ""it suggests itself"" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is often found in more thoughtful or reflective writing. Use the correct level of formality given the work's content.

What does "it suggests itself" imply?

The phrase implies that something—an idea, solution, or course of action—arises spontaneously or naturally from the circumstances, rather than being deliberately imposed or forced.