suggests like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suggests like" is not correct and usable in written English.
It appears to be an incorrect combination of words that does not convey a clear meaning in standard English usage. Example: "The data suggests like a trend towards increased sales."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Perhaps this again suggests (like Mfn2 as a potential redundant receptor in the heart) that the regulation of the mitophagy pathway is tissue specific.

British Journal of Pharmacology

Webster's The Duchess of Malfi (1612-13) ishesuggestsests, "like Shakespeare with mad spice".

The Guardian

The relation between a puppeteer and his marionettes is, it suggests, like that of God and his creatures.

The Guardian

But it suggests, like Freud, that the very worst things happen not far away but right under our noses.

The Guardian - Film

Allowing the junk food industry to police itself is, she suggests, like putting Dracula in charge of a blood bank.

The Guardian - Books

But the plot doesn't satisfactorily develop the complexities it suggests, like the moral confusion that often comes with the end of war.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"And I'm not suggesting, like, threesomes.

The New York Times

We suggest liking the Bass Coast Facebook page and tweeting at THUMP Canada, for starters.

Vice

It too uses a Google suggest like Ajax search bar to make housing suggestions as you type.

TechCrunch

Jay Jopling will "finesse" the clients, they suggest, like an extremely long-armed pickpocket.

The Guardian - Arts

It was Madonna who suggested "Like a Surgeon" as a fun parody of "Like a Virgin".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to draw a comparison alongside a suggestion, clearly separate the act of suggesting from the element being compared. Use structures like "suggests, similar to..." or "suggests a parallel with..." to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Be cautious of directly linking "suggests" with "like" as it often results in grammatically unsound sentences. Instead, ensure that the comparison is clearly distinguished and properly connected within the sentence structure. For example, instead of "The data suggests like a trend", consider "The data suggests a trend similar to..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suggests like" attempts to function as a verb phrase indicating a resemblance or similarity. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it is not a standard or grammatically correct construction in English. The verb 'suggests' implies an indirect indication, while 'like' implies a direct comparison, creating a somewhat redundant and ungrammatical combination.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "suggests like" is used to draw a comparison or parallel, indicating that something resembles or is similar to something else. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is not grammatically correct in standard English. While "suggests like" appears across diverse sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and TechCrunch, it is best avoided in formal writing. Instead, consider using grammatically sound alternatives such as "suggests, similar to", "implies, much like", or "indicates, as with" to maintain clarity and precision. These alternatives ensure that your writing remains grammatically correct and easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggests, similar to

Replaces "like" with "similar to" to directly indicate a comparison.

suggests, akin to

Uses "akin to" instead of "like" to provide a more formal comparison.

implies, much like

Substitutes "suggests" with "implies" and retains "like" for comparison.

indicates, as with

Replaces "suggests" with "indicates" and "like" with "as with" for a formal tone.

suggests, in the manner of

Replaces "like" with the more elaborate "in the manner of" to emphasize the comparison.

hinting at a resemblance to

Replaces the entire phrase with a more descriptive expression of similarity.

suggests a parallel with

Uses "parallel with" to explicitly indicate a comparison.

suggests an analogy to

Replaces "like" with "analogy to" to highlight a structural similarity.

suggests, reminiscent of

Employs "reminiscent of" to suggest a likeness that evokes memories or associations.

suggests, comparable to

Uses "comparable to" to indicate that a direct comparison can be made.

FAQs

How can I properly use "suggests" when making a comparison?

To correctly make a comparison when using "suggests", clarify the comparison using phrases like "suggests, similar to", "suggests, akin to" or "suggests a parallel with". For example, instead of "The result suggests like the previous study", use "The result "suggests, similar to" the previous study".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "suggests like"?

Alternatives to "suggests like" include phrases like "implies, much like", "indicates, as with" or "hinting at a resemblance to". Each of these provides a clearer grammatical structure when linking a suggestion with a comparison. For instance, you could say "The pattern "indicates, as with" previous cases, a decline in user engagement".

Is it grammatically correct to say "suggests like"?

No, "suggests like" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. A more appropriate way to phrase it would be to use alternatives that clearly separate the suggestion from the comparison, such as "suggests, similar to" or "suggests a parallel with". Always aim for clarity and grammatical precision in your writing.

What's the difference between saying "suggests like" and "suggests, similar to"?

The phrase "suggests like" is grammatically awkward and doesn't clearly convey the intended meaning. "Suggests, similar to", on the other hand, is grammatically correct and clearly indicates that you're drawing a comparison. For example, "The model "suggests, similar to" other predictive algorithms, a high degree of accuracy".