may suggest that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may suggest that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a possibility or implication of something based on evidence or reasoning. Example: "The results of the study may suggest that a new treatment could be more effective than the current one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The decrease in permits may suggest that housing starts may begin to decline.

The New York Times

He may suggest that China is a separate country.

The Economist

All these new titles may suggest that food writing is flourishing.

The Guardian - Books

Labour will win both comfortably, which may suggest that the hustings were a waste of time.

The Guardian

Or the Bebo deal may suggest that AOL is determined to go it alone.

The New York Times

The middle initial you use may suggest that you like formality more than many.

The New York Times

The Oluyemi case may suggest that the problem is local and underground.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the other hand, it may suggest that my mother didn't come from far away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

History, however, may suggest that Guardiola is more inclined to twist than stick.

The Guardian - Sport

Some respondents may suggest that the commission come up with a new form for those filings.

The New York Times

It also may suggest that Purdue Pharma is preparing to settle other suits.

The Telegraph

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may suggest that" to cautiously present a conclusion or interpretation based on available information, avoiding definitive statements when uncertainty exists.

Common error

Avoid using "may suggest that" when the evidence strongly supports a definitive conclusion. Using it in such cases can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may suggest that" functions as a hedge, softening a statement and indicating a degree of uncertainty. It introduces a possible interpretation or conclusion without asserting it as a definitive fact. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

37%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may suggest that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce tentative conclusions or interpretations. As Ludwig AI's analysis indicates, it is grammatically sound and widely employed across diverse contexts, particularly in science, news, and academia. While "may suggest that" implies uncertainty, it also adds a layer of caution and intellectual honesty to writing. Alternatives such as "might imply that" or "could indicate that" offer similar nuances, allowing writers to fine-tune their message based on the specific context. Remember to avoid using this phrase when the evidence warrants a more definitive statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might imply that

Replaces "suggest" with "imply", indicating a less direct suggestion.

could indicate that

Uses "could" instead of "may", and "indicate" instead of "suggest", presenting a slightly stronger possibility.

might be evidence that

Introduces the idea of evidence, making the statement more grounded in observable facts.

could be interpreted as

Highlights the subjective aspect of interpretation, emphasizing that the suggestion is one of multiple possibilities.

it is plausible that

Replaces the modal verb construction with an adjective emphasizing the believability of the suggestion.

it is conceivable that

Indicates that something is possible or imaginable in a more theoretical sense.

one might infer that

Focuses on the act of drawing a conclusion based on reasoning.

it is possible that

Emphasizes the possibility of a certain outcome or situation.

this points to the possibility that

Introduces the idea of directionality and potential outcomes.

it seems likely that

Shifts the emphasis to the likelihood of the suggestion being true.

FAQs

How can I use "may suggest that" in a sentence?

"May suggest that" is used to introduce a possible implication or conclusion based on evidence. For example, "The study's findings may suggest that early intervention is crucial."

What are some alternatives to "may suggest that"?

Alternatives include "might imply that", "could indicate that", or "it is possible that", depending on the level of certainty you want to convey.

Is it better to use "may suggest that" or "indicates that"?

"May suggest that" implies a degree of uncertainty or possibility, while "indicates that" presents a more direct and confident connection. Choose the option that accurately reflects the strength of the evidence.

What's the difference between "may suggest that" and "implies that"?

"May suggest that" offers a cautious interpretation of the data, whereas "implies that" indicates a more inherent or logical consequence. "Implies that" can also suggest a stronger, though still indirect, relationship compared to "may suggest that".