suggest that

USAGE SUMMARY

"suggest that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to offer a suggestion or present an idea. For example: I suggest that we should explore other options before deciding on a course of action.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Recent events suggest that may be true.

The New Yorker

Some suggest that point is perilously close.

Vice

We suggest that would be an oversimplification.

Plosone

— suggest that he just might.

The New York Times

The numbers suggest that they do.

The Economist

Studies suggest that Prison Fellowship lowers recidivism.

The New York Times

The polls suggest that is very unlikely.

The Guardian

Some suggest that defeats the point.

The Economist

Some even suggest that patriotism matters.

The Economist

Recent poll results suggest that consumers agree.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Our findings suggest that this female Au.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suggest that", ensure the subject clearly conveys who or what is doing the suggesting to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using the conditional "would" after "suggest that"; the subjunctive mood (base form of the verb) is often more appropriate, especially in formal writing. For example, instead of "I suggest that he would go", use "I suggest that he go".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "suggest that" is to introduce a subordinate clause expressing a proposal, recommendation, or inference. This phrase acts as a verb phrase introducing a statement that something is being put forward as a possibility or a course of action, in line with Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suggest that" is a versatile and frequently used expression in English. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and serves to introduce a variety of ideas, proposals, and inferences. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse contexts, from news reporting and scientific publications to general discussions. Remember to use the base form of the verb after "suggest that" for grammatical precision, particularly in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "indicate that" or "imply that" to refine your meaning, and be mindful of clearly identifying the subject making the suggestion. The widespread use of "suggest that" across authoritative sources underscores its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicate that

Emphasizes pointing out or showing something, often through evidence.

imply that

Focuses on hinting at something without stating it directly.

propose that

Suggests a formal offering of an idea or plan.

hint that

Indicates a subtle or indirect suggestion.

intimate that

Suggests communicating delicately or subtly.

argue that

Presents a case or reason in support of a particular point of view.

demonstrate that

Shows or proves something clearly and convincingly.

reveal that

Discloses or makes something known.

speculate that

Forms a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence.

surmise that

Concludes something based on limited evidence or intuition.

FAQs

How to use "suggest that" in a sentence?

You can use "suggest that" to introduce a proposal or idea. For example, "I suggest that we review the data again" or "The evidence suggests that further research is needed."

What can I say instead of "suggest that"?

You can use alternatives like "indicate that", "imply that", or "propose that" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "suggest that" followed by "would"?

While sometimes used informally, it's generally more grammatically precise to use the base form of the verb (subjunctive mood) after "suggest that", especially in formal writing. For example, prefer "I suggest that he go" over "I suggest that he would go."

What's the difference between "suggest that" and "imply that"?

"Suggest that" typically introduces a direct suggestion or proposal. "Imply that", on the other hand, means to hint at something without stating it directly. For example, "I suggest that we order pizza" (direct suggestion) vs. "His tone implied that he disagreed" (indirect hint).