it suggests rather

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it suggests rather" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something implies or points to a particular conclusion or idea, often in a more nuanced or subtle way. Example: "The data is inconclusive, but it suggests rather that further research is needed to draw definitive conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

TomTom's new models, the 730 and 930, estimate trip time using collected data on how fast people actually go on the streets it suggests, rather than the posted speed limits.

TechCrunch

The film excercises the good judgement lacking in Russo's television station in that it suggests, rather than graphically depicting the resolution of this relationship.

Huffington Post

In Figure 3B and C: Why is ChIP enrichment mostly negative – it suggests rather a depletion of mark?

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"But he had this view of art – that it suggested rather than stated.

The Guardian

Fond of the bold statement, Ashenburg sometimes fails to defend or elaborate it, as when she suggests, rather mysteriously, that Romanticism played a part in loosening the fear of bathing.

The New York Times - Books

He suggests, rather, that it is a privilege, and an ongoing opportunity to find out just how good he can be.

The Guardian - Sport

And when it comes to styles, she suggests rather than cajoles, although she offers reality checks by talking about a client's hair texture, lifestyle and bone structure when "makeover" photos are whipped out.

The New York Times

This does not confirm that the tree owns itself, but suggests, rather, that it is considered to be within the right-of-way along Finley Street.

Wikipedia

That suggests rather a different tone, no?

The New York Times

"It suggests that rather than being a one-off journalist or rogue private investigator, it was systemic throughout the News of the World, and to a lesser extent the Sun," he said.

The Guardian

Is it, as Lorrie Moore has suggested rather pompously, "to alleviate the suffering of not writing"?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it suggests rather" when you want to present an idea or conclusion as a subtle implication, leaving room for alternative interpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "it suggests rather" when the evidence strongly supports a more direct statement. If the conclusion is clear, a more assertive phrase will be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it suggests rather" functions as a hedging device, softening a statement or conclusion. It introduces an element of uncertainty, implying a possibility without asserting it definitively. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it suggests rather" is a grammatically correct way to introduce a subtle or nuanced implication. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, and it serves to present an idea tentatively, allowing for alternative interpretations. While not extremely common, its specific function makes it a useful tool for expressing carefully considered conclusions. Consider alternatives like "it implies instead" or "it indicates instead" when a more direct statement is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it implies instead

Replaces "suggests" with "implies", focusing on a more direct indication.

it indicates instead

Substitutes "suggests" with "indicates", highlighting a clearer signal or sign.

it hints at instead

Uses "hints at" to emphasize a subtle or indirect suggestion.

it points toward instead

Replaces "suggests" with "points toward", indicating a direction or tendency.

it alludes to instead

Uses "alludes to" to convey an indirect reference or implication.

it intimates instead

Substitutes "suggests" with "intimates", suggesting a delicate or subtle communication.

it tends to indicate instead

Adds "tends to" to soften the suggestion, making it less definitive.

it gives the impression instead

Focuses on the impression created, rather than a direct suggestion.

it seems to suggest instead

Adds "seems to" to introduce a degree of uncertainty or observation.

it leads one to believe instead

Replaces "suggests" with a more direct statement of belief or inference.

FAQs

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

Use "it suggests rather" to introduce a nuanced interpretation or possible conclusion that is not explicitly stated but is implied by the available information. For example, "The data is inconclusive, but "it suggests rather" that further research is needed."

What are some alternatives to "it suggests rather"?

You can use alternatives like "it implies instead", "it indicates instead", or "it hints at instead" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it suggests rather" formal or informal?

"It suggests rather" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts where a subtle implication needs to be conveyed. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

What is the difference between "it suggests" and "it suggests rather"?

While "it suggests" presents a straightforward implication, adding "rather" introduces a degree of qualification or nuance, implying that there might be another interpretation or that the suggestion is not the most obvious one. "It suggests rather" is used when you wish to present a more subtle or qualified implication.