the data suggests

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the data suggests" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when presenting findings or conclusions drawn from data analysis or research. Example: "Based on the recent survey results, the data suggests that customer satisfaction has improved over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The data suggests not.

The Guardian

That's what the data suggests.

The New York Times

The data suggests the American people are.

The Guardian

But a harder look at the data suggests another explanation.

The New York Times

"The data suggests we are not where we should be.

The Guardian - Sport

Nothing in the data suggests a supply-side revolution.

The New York Times - Magazine

The data suggests we have a long way to go.

The Guardian

And here the data suggests a similar complex story.

The Guardian - Business

The data suggests that the belief is largely a myth.

The Washington Post

But the data suggests it wasn't that simple.

The Washington Post

The data suggests that income inequality will likely get worse.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be specific about what "the data" refers to, citing sources to enhance credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "the data suggests" to make definitive claims. This phrase indicates a tendency or likelihood, not an absolute certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the data suggests" primarily functions as a hedge, softening a claim by indicating that the conclusion is an inference or interpretation rather than an absolute certainty. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the data suggests" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is to introduce conclusions or inferences drawn from data analysis, typically in a neutral to formal register. The phrase is prevalent in news media, academic research, and formal business contexts, serving to present findings in a cautious, evidence-based manner. When employing this phrase, ensure that the data supporting the suggestion is credible and that the suggestion represents a logical interpretation of that data.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the evidence indicates

Focuses on the evidence as a sign, emphasizing a more direct pointer from the evidence.

the analysis implies

Highlights the analytical aspect, suggesting an indirect conclusion drawn from detailed analysis.

the findings reveal

Emphasizes the act of uncovering new information through investigation or study.

the results indicate

Focuses on outcomes or consequences, suggesting a direction pointed to by the results.

the study demonstrates

Highlights the demonstrative aspect, suggesting proof or clear evidence through research.

the figures imply

Specifically refers to numerical data and its implications.

the facts suggest

Focuses on factual information and its implications, similar to the original phrase but highlights the factual basis.

the statistics indicate

Emphasizes the use of statistical data to point towards a conclusion.

the research points to

Suggests that research findings are guiding towards a particular conclusion.

the information implies

Focuses on the information aspect and its implications, similar to the original phrase but broader.

FAQs

What does "the data suggests" mean?

The phrase "the data suggests" means that available information points toward a particular conclusion or inference, without making a definitive claim. It implies a degree of probability based on the data analyzed.

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

You can use "the data suggests" to introduce a conclusion drawn from an analysis, for example: "Based on customer feedback, "the data suggests" that satisfaction levels have increased."

What are some alternatives to "the data suggests"?

Alternatives to "the data suggests" include "the evidence indicates", "the analysis implies", or "the findings reveal", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "the data suggests" or "the data shows"?

"The data suggests" implies a degree of interpretation, while "the data shows" implies a more direct and unambiguous demonstration. Use "the data suggests" when the conclusion is not a direct, self-evident result of the data, but rather an interpretation or inference.