suggests two possibilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suggests two possibilities" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing options or interpretations in a given context, indicating that there are two potential outcomes or explanations. Example: "The data from the experiment suggests two possibilities: either the hypothesis is correct, or there was an error in the methodology."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The proposed plan suggests two possibilities, one residential-based and the other more commercially oriented.

The New York Times

Financial integration has no significant effect.The absence of a clear conclusion suggests two possibilities.

The Economist

Mr Cox of Duke University suggests two possibilities: mandatory rotation of entire audits rather than the more limited rotation just of individual partners as is now required in America; and sharp limits on the provision of non-audit services.

The Economist

It suggests two possibilities: Giving everyone, no matter how large their employer, an easy way to save some money when they receive a paycheck, and eliminating the alphabet soup of 401 k)'s, I.R.A.'s, 529s and other accounts that we all have strewn about our financial lives.

The New York Times

The fact that significantly higher NH4+-N concentrations were detected in September than in October (Fig. 5e, f) suggests two possibilities: δ15N(PON) may have been influenced more by NH4+ than by NO3− and the δ15N(PON) fractionation by phytoplankton uptake of lower δ15N NO3−) was derived through nitrification.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

It suggests two possibilities: (1) the low-FIP/high-FIP elemental abundance ratio at the γ-ray emission site was increased in the decay phase or (2) the location of the γ-ray production site could have changed with time, progressing from the chromosphere-photosphere toward the corona.

Advances in Space Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The discrepancy between the nature and thickness of the orthopyroxene and plagioclase rims suggests three possibilities.

Earth, Planets and Space

That suggested two possibilities.

The New Yorker

Taken together, the new economic and diplomatic initiatives suggest two possibilities.

The New York Times

Southampton's new town supervisor, Linda A. Kabot, remains opposed to a casino here but suggested two possibilities, Calverton or Yaphank.

The New York Times

We suggest two possibilities for apparent difference.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suggests two possibilities", ensure the context clearly outlines what those two possibilities are. Avoid ambiguity by stating them explicitly or implying them strongly through the surrounding information.

Common error

Avoid using "suggests two possibilities" without clarifying the two potential outcomes or interpretations. Ensure readers can easily understand what the two possibilities are without having to guess.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suggests two possibilities" functions as a connector indicating that a preceding statement or finding leads to two potential conclusions or interpretations. This phrase introduces a bifurcation in reasoning, presenting two distinct options for consideration, as illustrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suggests two possibilities" is a versatile connector predominantly employed in scientific and journalistic writing to introduce alternative interpretations or outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its effectiveness in presenting a balanced evaluation of potential scenarios. While clarity is key – always explicitly stating the two possibilities – this phrase remains a valuable tool for reasoned analysis and nuanced communication. Alternatives like "indicates two options" or "raises two prospects" offer subtle variations in tone, allowing writers to precisely tailor their expression to the intended context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicates two options

Replaces "suggests" with "indicates", which is a more direct term. "Options" is used instead of "possibilities".

implies two scenarios

Replaces "suggests" with "implies", suggesting a more subtle hint. "Scenarios" offers a different nuance than "possibilities".

points to two alternatives

"Points to" is a more directional verb, and "alternatives" stresses the mutually exclusive nature of the options.

raises two prospects

"Raises" introduces the options for consideration, and "prospects" focuses on future outcomes.

hints at two interpretations

"Hints at" suggests an indirect suggestion. "Interpretations" specifies that the options are related to understanding something.

reveals two facets

"Reveals" implies an uncovering of information. "Facets" suggests different aspects of a single thing.

exposes two angles

"Exposes" highlights the presentation of different viewpoints or considerations. "Angles" can be used in a figurative context.

unveils two likelihoods

"Unveils" is more dramatic and suggestive than "suggests". The noun "likelihoods" is a formal equivalent of "possibilities".

portends two futures

Uses "portends", indicating that these options are seen as upcoming events or destiny. "Futures" implies a focus on upcoming scenarios.

posits two eventualities

Posits implies a more formal, almost academic, suggestion. Eventualities highlights the fact that the suggestion involves possible final outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "suggests two possibilities" in a sentence?

Use "suggests two possibilities" when your analysis points to two potential, distinct outcomes or explanations. For example: "The data "suggests two possibilities": either the treatment is effective, or the improvements are due to a placebo effect."

What's the difference between "suggests two possibilities" and "implies two possibilities"?

"Suggests" indicates a slightly more direct indication, while "implies" is a more subtle hint. The choice depends on the strength of the indication you want to convey. They are largely interchangeable in most contexts.

What can I say instead of "suggests two possibilities"?

You can use alternatives like "indicates two options", "points to two alternatives", or "raises two prospects" depending on the context.

Is it better to explicitly state the possibilities after "suggests two possibilities"?

Yes, for clarity, it's best to immediately follow the phrase with a clear explanation of the two possibilities. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the intended meaning.