suggest to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suggest to be" is not correct and should not be used in written English.
"Suggest" is an intransitive verb which means it does not take an object, so it cannot be followed by the verb "to be." A more correct phrase would be "suggest [that] [something] is [something]." Example: I suggest that this decision is the best course of action.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

But the administration is also under increasing pressure to address directly what polls suggest to be growing antiwar sentiment — evidenced by the antiwar protests that Mr. Bush's motorcade passed here and in Bridgeport, Conn., on Wednesday.

The New York Times

Russia has become strong enough, Putin seems to suggest, to be as bad as the United States: to do as it pleases, to legitimate its aggression, and to act without a go-ahead from the U.N.

The New Yorker

EFs >10 are suggest to be a non-crusted source.

Ecological Processes

So they suggest to be flexible in collateral and to develop a borrower-friendly repayment procedures.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Clinical effects suggest to be linked to the precocity of treatment and the adequate dose.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Moreover, chitosan-coated ZnS nanocrystals suggest to be nontoxic, and the nanoparticles did not influence the metabolism of the cells.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

What painful joy it is, Polanski suggests, to be a slave to the rhythm of art.

The New Yorker

He wanted, Flavell suggests, "to be taken seriously in England".

The New York Times - Books

No item was suggested to be removed.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Furthermore, the metabolism of AS was suggested to be autoinduction.

Natural Products and Bioprospecting

Community disputes were suggested to be impacting development planning.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you intend to use "suggest to be", consider restructuring your sentence to use "suggest that [something] is" for grammatical correctness. This ensures clarity and avoids misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "suggest" directly followed by "to be". "Suggest" doesn't take a direct object in that way. Instead, use a "that" clause or rephrase to use a different verb like "indicate" or "imply".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suggest to be" is typically intended to function as part of a verb phrase, aiming to express a suggestion or indication. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically incorrect in standard English. The correct usage involves a "that" clause or a different verb.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

71%

News & Media

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suggest to be" is frequently encountered, but, according to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically incorrect. It appears most often in scientific and news-related contexts, indicating an attempt at formal expression. To correct this, rephrase using a "that" clause (e.g., "suggest that it is") or choose alternative verbs like "indicate" or "imply". While the intention is often to suggest or indicate something, the incorrect grammar undermines the intended meaning and register. Ensure clarity and credibility by using grammatically sound alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggest that it is

Adds "that it is" to correct the grammar, making it a complete clause.

propose that it is

More formal, emphasizing a formal suggestion or hypothesis.

imply that it is

Emphasizes indirect communication or hint.

hint that it is

Focuses on a subtle or indirect suggestion.

posit that it is

A more formal term for suggesting something as a basic fact or principle.

indicate it to be

Replaces "suggest" with "indicate" while keeping the incorrect "to be".

speculate that it is

Highlights uncertainty and conjecture.

seem to be

Focuses on appearance or impression rather than direct suggestion.

believe it to be

Shifts focus to personal belief rather than external suggestion.

point toward it being

Changes the verb and structure to focus on indication.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the verb "suggest" in a sentence?

Use "suggest" with a "that" clause, like "I suggest that you consider this option". Alternatively, use a gerund: "I suggest considering this option". Avoid using "suggest to be", as it is grammatically incorrect.

What are some alternatives to the incorrect phrase "suggest to be"?

Instead of "suggest to be", consider using phrases like "seem to be", "indicate that it is", or "imply that it is" to convey a similar meaning with correct grammar.

Is "suggest to be" ever considered correct in English?

No, "suggest to be" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to rephrase your sentence to avoid this construction.

What's the difference between "suggest that it is" and "suggest to be"?

"Suggest that it is" is grammatically correct and introduces a clause expressing a suggestion. "Suggest to be" is grammatically incorrect. For example, use "I suggest that the meeting is postponed" instead of the incorrect "I suggest the meeting to be postponed".