it was suggesting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was suggesting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an idea or implication that was indicated or hinted at in a previous statement or context. Example: "The report was unclear, but it was suggesting that changes were necessary for improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"I think it was the opposite really, because it was suggesting that we had to be blokey.

The Guardian - Music

The first is impractical without a vast military occupation and the second is illegal if it was suggesting indiscriminate bombing.

The Guardian

He also said it was suggesting that banks use two additional RSA services to avert fraud in authenticating computer log-ins.

The New York Times

"It was suggesting that a lot of the spending proposals in the original plan would not really take effect for a couple of years, so it wouldn't clearly help create jobs in the first two years of the president's administration".

The Guardian - Opinion

It said it was suggesting how the UK could raise new revenue "in a fair and efficient way, which does not hamper competitiveness or increase poverty".

BBC

It was suggesting that the different C-type lectin in C. farreri might mediate immune response towards different pathogen through specific PAMPs recognition [22]-[25 [22]-[25

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It was suggested by the N.Y.P.D".

The New York Times

Now it was suggested that there was far closer arrangement.

The Guardian

It was suggested that I was making excuses for murder".

The Guardian - Music

It was suggested the investigations might be bigger than Watergate.

The New Yorker

"So the team is too young?" it was suggested.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was suggesting" to introduce an indirect implication or hint, rather than a direct statement. This can soften the message or allow for plausible deniability.

Common error

Avoid using "it was suggesting" when a direct statement is more appropriate. Overusing indirect language can weaken your message and create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was suggesting" typically functions as a clause introducer, setting up an indirect report of an idea or implication. The examples found by Ludwig show its use in conveying information that is not explicitly stated but inferred from a situation or statement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was suggesting" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-toned way to introduce an indirect implication or hint. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity, highlighting its prevalence in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended level of indirection and that a direct statement isn't more appropriate. Consider alternatives like ""it implied"" or "it indicated" for varying degrees of directness, as shown by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it implied

This alternative uses a more direct verb to convey the meaning of suggestion.

it indicated

This alternative emphasizes a more formal or objective conveyance of information.

it hinted at

This alternative suggests a more subtle or indirect suggestion.

it alluded to

This option conveys an indirect reference, often requiring some prior knowledge to understand.

it gave the impression

This alternative focuses on the perceived effect of the suggestion on the audience.

it seemed to indicate

This phrases conveys uncertainty or a subjective interpretation of the suggestion.

it pointed towards

This option suggests a direction or potential outcome implied by the suggestion.

it led one to believe

This alternative focuses on the persuasive effect of the suggestion.

the implication was

This option restructures the sentence to emphasize the implied meaning.

the subtext was

This conveys a hidden meaning underneath the surface of what was explicitly stated.

FAQs

What does "it was suggesting" mean?

The phrase "it was suggesting" implies that something wasn't directly stated but was hinted at or implied. It indicates an indirect communication or a subtle indication of something.

How can I use "it was suggesting" in a sentence?

You can use "it was suggesting" to introduce an implication or hint that wasn't explicitly stated. For example, "The report was vague, but "it implied" that changes were needed."

What can I say instead of "it was suggesting"?

You can use alternatives like ""it implied"", "it indicated", or "it hinted at" depending on the context.

Is "it was suggesting" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was suggesting" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and overall tone of the communication.