the data suggest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the data suggest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when presenting findings or conclusions drawn from data analysis, indicating that the data points to a certain interpretation or trend. Example: "The data suggest that there is a significant correlation between exercise and improved mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So far the data suggest otherwise.

The Economist

In fact, the data suggest otherwise.

The New York Times

But the data suggest that calorie restriction is more powerful.

The New York Times - Magazine

The data suggest convincingly that the 2004 program did work".

The New York Times - Sports

Yet that is exactly what the data suggest.

The Washington Post

"The data suggest that some people are awake," Dr. Lubarsky said.

The New York Times

"The data suggest that detention itself creates enough pressure to increase guilty pleas," the authors wrote.

The Guardian

The data suggest that the size of this tail is increasing".

The Guardian - Business

High-speed Internet users in particular are drawn to travel sites, the data suggest.

The New York Times

The data suggest, though, that perhaps the warning should apply to whole airports.

The New York Times

And the data suggest that most Dutch doctors are careful.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the data suggest" when you want to present a conclusion that is supported by evidence but not definitively proven. It acknowledges the possibility of alternative interpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "the data suggest" when the data provides definitive proof. In such cases, stronger verbs like 'prove', 'confirm', or 'establish' are more appropriate. Using weaker verbs where stronger ones are justified undermines the strength of the evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the data suggest" functions as a hedge, used to express conclusions drawn from data in a cautious and qualified manner. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates that the data supports a particular interpretation, but does not provide absolute certainty. It introduces findings with a degree of uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the data suggest" is a phrase used to introduce conclusions or insights derived from data analysis without making definitive claims. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is primarily found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its suitability for formal and neutral communications. When using the phrase, ensure that the data is well-defined and the conclusions are appropriately qualified. Alternatives like "the data indicate" or "the evidence suggests" can be used to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the data indicate

Replaces 'suggest' with 'indicate', implying a more direct pointing of the data towards a conclusion.

the data imply

Uses 'imply' instead of 'suggest', indicating that the data hints at a conclusion without stating it explicitly.

the data demonstrate

Substitutes 'suggest' with 'demonstrate', suggesting a stronger, more conclusive finding.

the data reveal

Replaces 'suggest' with 'reveal', implying that the data uncovers or exposes something.

the data point to

Uses a more directional phrase, indicating that the data is guiding towards a specific conclusion.

the evidence suggests

Replaces 'data' with 'evidence', broadening the scope of what's being considered while maintaining a similar meaning.

analysis of the data indicates

Adds 'analysis of' to specify the interpretive process, making the statement more formal and precise.

findings suggest

Uses 'findings' instead of 'data', focusing on the results of an investigation.

research indicates

Similar to 'findings suggest', but emphasizing the research process itself as providing the suggestion.

the information implies

Replaces 'data' with 'information', making it appropriate for contexts where the evidence is not strictly numerical.

FAQs

How can I use "the data suggest" in a sentence?

You can use "the data suggest" to introduce a conclusion that is supported by data but not definitively proven. For example, "The data suggest that there is a correlation between exercise and mental health".

What are some alternatives to "the data suggest"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the data indicate", "the data imply", or "the evidence suggests", depending on the level of certainty you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "the data suggests" instead of "the data suggest"?

No, "data" is a plural noun, so the correct verb form is "suggest". Therefore, "the data suggests" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "the data suggest" and "the data prove"?

"The data suggest" implies that the data supports a particular conclusion but does not definitively establish it. "The data prove" indicates a much stronger level of evidence, where the data leaves no room for doubt. It's crucial to choose the phrase that accurately reflects the strength of the evidence.