suggesting

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "suggesting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in sentences when you are proposing an idea. Example: I am suggesting we go for a walk after dinner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

North Korea's recent test-firing of a ballistic missile from a submarine was "very serious and concerning", South Korea said on Monday, with one defence official suggesting Pyongyang could have a fully operational platform in two or three years.

The Guardian

More than that, Levin also implicitly suggested that there was something wrong per se with betting that the housing market would crash, suggesting that while it's good to make money from good things happening, it's nefarious to put yourself in a position to make money when bad things happen.

The Economist

Harrison on Tuesday claimed Whitbread's 40,000 staff were among the most satisfied on the high street and in the hotel industry, with recent workforce surveys suggesting "employee engagement" was at record levels.

The Guardian - Business

Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, also poured derision on the Republican letter in a statement expressing astonishment that members of Congress would seek to undermine a US administration by writing directly to a foreign power, and suggesting that the letter's authors had much to learn about international and even US law.

The Guardian

The businessman, who in previous years has been critical of the Kremlin and who owns part of Novaya Gazeta, one of Russia's only independent newspapers, says that "now is not the time for criticism" and has come out in support of Russia's acts in Crimea, suggesting they could be viewed as a "pre-emptive humanitarian intervention".

The Guardian

Scott Morrison: So you're suggesting they are on Manus Island.

The Guardian

In December, he refused to license a new grammar school in Kent while – with characteristic ambiguity – suggesting this refusal was merely a technicality.

The Guardian

Many people worry there are changes in the air, but hope is far from lost – with some suggesting that if the Europeanisation of Moscow is over, the end of this copycat urban development may not be such a bad thing anyway.

The Guardian

But Sierra Leone and Guinea continued to see high numbers of deaths from Ebola in their communities, "suggesting that the need for early isolation and treatment is not yet understood, accepted or acted upon", the WHO warned.

The Guardian

Despite the rhetoric suggesting otherwise, they aren't really complaining of a lack of standards or diversity.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm not suggesting that it was perfect; mental health has long been the Cinderella service of the NHS, and resources, even then, were stretched.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "suggesting" when you want to introduce an idea or possibility without stating it as a definite fact. It adds a layer of nuance and encourages consideration rather than immediate acceptance.

Common error

While "suggesting" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal academic or professional writing. Vary your vocabulary with stronger verbs like "demonstrating", "establishing", or "concluding" to convey greater certainty and authority.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "suggesting" is as a present participle or a gerund. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it is used to present an idea or possibility without stating it as a definite fact, adding nuance to the statement. Examples show it introducing potential interpretations or courses of action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "suggesting" is a versatile term used to introduce ideas or possibilities tentatively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly employed in various contexts, predominantly in news and media. When writing, remember to vary your vocabulary in more formal settings and use "suggesting" to soften potentially assertive statements. Consider alternative phrases like "implying" or "recommending" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implying

This word focuses on conveying a meaning indirectly, often without stating it explicitly.

hinting

This suggests a more subtle and indirect suggestion, often relying on nuance.

proposing

This is a more formal term for putting forward an idea or plan for consideration.

recommending

This implies a favorable suggestion, often based on experience or expertise.

indicating

This focuses on pointing out something, which may or may not be a direct suggestion.

intimating

This suggests a subtle and often private or delicate suggestion.

positing

This is a more academic term for putting forward an idea as a basis for argument or consideration.

speculating

This involves making a suggestion based on incomplete information or conjecture.

hypothesizing

This is used in scientific or research contexts to suggest a possible explanation.

advising

This implies giving a suggestion as guidance or counsel.

FAQs

How to use "suggesting" in a sentence?

"Suggesting" can be used to introduce an idea, hint at a possibility, or offer a recommendation. For example, "The evidence is "suggesting that" further research is needed."

What can I say instead of "suggesting"?

You can use alternatives like "implying", "hinting", "proposing", or "recommending" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "suggesting" or "to suggest"?

Both forms are correct, but they function differently. "Suggesting" is a present participle or gerund, while "to suggest" is an infinitive. Use "suggesting" when it functions as a verb in the continuous tense or as a noun. For example, "I am suggesting a new approach." Use "to suggest" when it functions as an infinitive. For example, "I would like to suggest a different method."

What's the difference between "suggesting" and "recommending"?

"Suggesting" is a general term for putting forward an idea, while "recommending" implies a favorable endorsement based on expertise or experience. Recommending carries a stronger weight of approval than "suggesting".