lightly suggested

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lightly suggested" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something has been hinted at or implied in a subtle manner. Example: "The author lightly suggested that the character might have a hidden agenda without explicitly stating it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The symbolism, as regards Gil and Eirene, is lightly suggested.

The New York Times - Books

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Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The buoyancy and lyrical bravado of Let's Face the Music and Dance – first heard in 1936 in Follow the Fleet – has a desolate tinge, a shadow from harsh times and war clouds, that Strallen lightly suggests.

The Guardian

Unlike another work about bamboozlement in the upper echelons of Manhattan society — for example, John Guare's "Six Degrees of Separation" — "CQ/CX" only lightly suggests themes of class, power and race.

The New York Times

Different drawings show different stages in the creative process being worked through: one emphasises the deep shadows cast by the temple columns, for example; another just lightly suggests the shadows through a hint of red chalk, while the lines of the architecture are focused on.

The Guardian - Arts

The Times may lightly suggest that fraud was common in payments to mistreated black farmers, but to me the real perfidy, the only wrong that matters was the behavior of this public servant who all but ruined my early adult life.

Huffington Post

Todd McCarthy in The Hollywood Reporter was less kind: "Shot in a gliding, gently intoxicating style that lightly suggests that this 'based on actual events' story could be taking place in a dream (or, more to the point, an altered state), this is a too-cool-for-school portrait of spoiled kids achieving dubious but welcome fame for robbing the homes of young Hollywood celebrities.

Los Angeles Times

While it is easy and comforting to think that Perry cannot take his marbles and go home because he has already lost his, the failure of any GOP leaders to criticize his statement or remind Perry and his party that we are one union and a governor should not allude to secession lightly suggests that the problem is worse than that and may not be going away anytime soon.

Huffington Post

Bogna Pro, a partner in Sky Architects in Riverton, says she treads lightly when suggesting feng shui-driven solutions to troubles she might recognize in someone's home — and thereby someone's life.

The New York Times

When you take a sip, the residual wine in the glass runs back down too lightly, which suggests the drink contains a lot of water.

Vice

Paterson was always a poet of the double negative (his first book was titled "Nil Nil," a soccer score that suggested, lightly, Lear: nothing can come of nothing).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lightly suggested" to convey a subtle implication or hint, avoiding direct or forceful statements. This can add nuance and sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "lightly suggested" in contexts where directness and clarity are paramount. In formal reports or academic papers, opt for more explicit language to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lightly suggested" functions as a verb phrase where the adverb "lightly" modifies the verb "suggested". It indicates the manner in which something was suggested, emphasizing its subtlety. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lightly suggested" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a subtle or indirect implication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable phrase in written English, found across various contexts but most commonly in news media. While its frequency is uncommon, it provides a nuanced way to introduce ideas without being overly assertive. When writing, use "lightly suggested" to convey subtlety and avoid it in situations requiring absolute clarity. Consider alternatives like "subtly implied" or "gently hinted" based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subtly implied

Implies a more delicate and nuanced form of suggestion.

gently hinted

Emphasizes the mildness and subtlety of the suggestion.

indirectly indicated

Focuses on the lack of directness in the communication.

faintly alluded

Suggests a very slight or veiled reference.

softly intimated

Highlights the gentle and understated nature of the suggestion.

delicately implied

Implies that the suggestion was handled with care and sensitivity.

vaguely insinuated

Indicates a lack of clarity and precision in the suggestion.

obliquely referred

Suggests that the reference was made in a roundabout way.

tangentially mentioned

Implies that the suggestion was made in passing, without significant emphasis.

marginally proposed

Focuses on how the argument or idea was suggested with minimal intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "lightly suggested" in a sentence?

You can use "lightly suggested" to indicate a subtle hint or implication, such as, "The evidence lightly suggested a connection between the two events."

What are some alternatives to "lightly suggested"?

Alternatives include "subtly implied", "gently hinted", or "indirectly indicated", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "lightly suggested" in formal writing?

While "lightly suggested" is grammatically correct, consider whether a more direct phrase would be more suitable for clarity and precision in formal writing. It depends on the intended effect and audience.

What's the difference between "lightly suggested" and "strongly implied"?

"Lightly suggested" conveys a subtle, almost understated hint, while "strongly implied" indicates a more forceful and obvious implication. The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.