suggest discreetly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suggest discreetly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to recommend something in a subtle or tactful manner, without drawing too much attention. Example: "During the meeting, I decided to suggest discreetly that we consider alternative solutions to the problem at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some of Sullivan's allies suggest, discreetly, that she didn't fit the board's image of a chief executive.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This mild-mannered class study suggests a discreetly buttoned up "Lady Chatterley's Lover".

The New York Times

They suggest that you discreetly take him aside and whisper the code words "XYZ".

The New Yorker

Cocktail-party bores and diner-table droners beware: el Kaliouby envisions a "Bore-O-Meter" that might, say, cause your cellphone to vibrate when software senses that your conversation partner's eyes are glazing over, while a "Monologue Detector" would monitor your turn-taking patterns and discreetly suggest you let someone else get a word in edgewise.

The New York Times - Magazine

This discreetly suggested that it might be as late as the 19th century, hence a $10,000 to $15,000 estimate.

The New York Times - Arts

This is discreetly suggested by the oculus in trompe-l'oeil of which the curves appear in the four corners.

The New York Times

The wall, the most prominent in the house, was nineteen feet tall and nine feet wide — much too large for the painting, and Scheidemann discreetly suggested that a wall off to the side might serve the work better.

The New Yorker

I discreetly suggested that the attendant call security, and not a moment too soon; within minutes, he came to blows with two beefy Italian security guards who wrestled him to the ground and handcuffed him.

The New York Times

The directors arguing to remain have also discreetly suggested, these people said, that they will be able to represent the interests of the departing directors who may be named in class-action lawsuits against the company.

The New York Times

At one point in my laboriously worked-out string quartet, I directed the violist to apply a mute to play just two notes; Mr. Beeson discreetly suggested that such a tiny detail was precious, maybe even irrelevant and just a little silly.

The New York Times - Arts

The US and Europe need to drop the vituperation against Moscow, however justified, and start discreetly suggesting that, though the regime can remain in power,but if they are not to stay stuck in Syria's morass and in continuous conflict with the west, Assad has to be quietly dropped.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "suggest discreetly" when you want to offer a recommendation in a way that avoids drawing unwanted attention or causing embarrassment. It's ideal for sensitive situations where subtlety is key.

Common error

Avoid using "suggest discreetly" as a constant substitute for direct communication. While subtlety is valuable, overuse can lead to vagueness and a lack of clarity. Balance discreet suggestions with clear statements when necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suggest discreetly" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier to the verb 'suggest'. It describes the manner in which the suggestion is made, emphasizing subtlety and tact. The Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "suggest discreetly" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of making a subtle or tactful recommendation. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this expression. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, where diplomacy and sensitivity are valued. While the phrase is relatively rare, it serves a specific communicative purpose, allowing individuals to offer ideas without causing offense or drawing undue attention. Alternatives include "recommend subtly" and "advise tactfully". When using this phrase, it's crucial to balance subtlety with clarity to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recommend subtly

Focuses on the subtlety of the recommendation itself rather than the manner in which it's delivered.

advise tactfully

Emphasizes the tact and consideration involved in giving advice.

intimate gently

Highlights the gentle and indirect nature of the suggestion.

hint subtly

Focuses on the indirectness and subtlety of the hint.

propose cautiously

Stresses the careful and guarded manner of making a proposal.

imply indirectly

Emphasizes the indirectness of the implication.

offer a quiet suggestion

Highlights the quiet and understated nature of the suggestion.

put forward circumspectly

Stresses the cautious and prudent manner of putting forward an idea.

make a veiled suggestion

Focuses on the hidden or disguised nature of the suggestion.

insinuate delicately

Emphasizes the delicate and subtle way of insinuating something.

FAQs

How can I use "suggest discreetly" in a sentence?

You can use "suggest discreetly" when you want to recommend something subtly, without drawing attention. For instance: "I decided to "suggest discreetly" that we consider alternative solutions to the problem."

What are some alternatives to "suggest discreetly"?

Alternatives include phrases like "recommend subtly", "advise tactfully", or "hint subtly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it appropriate to "suggest discreetly"?

It is appropriate to "suggest discreetly" in sensitive situations where directness might be impolite or cause embarrassment. This could include offering constructive criticism, or addressing a delicate topic.

What's the difference between "suggest discreetly" and "suggest openly"?

"Suggest discreetly" implies a subtle and tactful approach, while "suggest openly" indicates a direct and transparent communication style. The choice depends on the context and the relationship with the person you're communicating with.