the data suggests that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the data suggests that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when presenting findings or conclusions drawn from data analysis or research. Example: "The data suggests that there is a significant correlation between exercise and improved mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The rear of the car stepped out and all the data suggests that happened.

The Guardian - Sport

Overall, the data suggests that rate of change should be a topic of targeted professional development.

The Journal of Mathematical Behavior

The majority of the men who flourished found love before 30, and the data suggests that was why they flourished.

University of California, Berkeley

The data suggests that income inequality will likely get worse.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The data suggests that the belief is largely a myth.

The Washington Post

The data suggests that more education is needed.

The New York Times

"The data suggests that we may be nearing the peak", said Davies.

The Guardian

The data suggests that the path of least resistance for the stock market will be down.

The New York Times

The data suggests that there has been something of a male fightback.

The Guardian - Books

The data suggests that the Fed's interest rate increases are beginning to slow the economy.

The New York Times

The data suggests that computer usage has supplanted radio as the second most common media activity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the data suggests that", ensure the data you're referring to is clearly presented and accessible to your audience. This provides context and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "the data suggests that" to present definitive conclusions when the data only provides weak or preliminary evidence. Overstating the suggestion can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the data suggests that" functions as an evidential marker. It introduces a statement that is based on, but not definitively proven by, the available data. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a valid way to present findings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & media

48%

Science

31%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the data suggests that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to introduce data-supported inferences. As Ludwig AI confirms, its acceptability spans across diverse contexts, from academic research to news reporting. When using this phrase, remember to provide sufficient context for the data and avoid overstating the strength of the suggestion. Alternatives like "the evidence indicates that" or "analysis implies that" can be used for a more formal tone. With a high expert rating and a wide range of applications, mastering the use of this phrase can significantly enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the evidence indicates that

Replaces "data" with "evidence" and uses "indicates" instead of "suggests", focusing on a more direct implication.

the analysis implies that

Replaces "data" with "analysis" and "suggests" with "implies", focusing on the analytical interpretation.

the findings reveal that

Emphasizes the act of uncovering information through the data.

research indicates that

Highlights the research aspect, making it suitable for academic contexts.

the study points to

Uses a directional metaphor, indicating a trend or direction suggested by the data.

it can be inferred that

Shifts the focus to the inference drawn from the data, highlighting the conclusion.

observations suggest that

Focuses on the observed patterns and their suggestive nature.

the figures indicate that

Specifically refers to numerical data and its indicative nature.

the results imply that

Highlights the outcome of a process or experiment and its implications.

based on the data, it appears that

Explicitly states the foundation of the conclusion being the data itself and that it's just an appearance and not necessarily a hard truth.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "the data suggests that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "the evidence indicates that" or "analysis implies that".

Is it appropriate to use "the data suggests that" in academic writing?

Yes, "the data suggests that" is suitable for academic writing when you want to present an interpretation of data without making a definitive claim. It acknowledges the possibility of alternative interpretations.

What is a less formal alternative to "the data suggests that"?

In less formal contexts, you could say "the study points to" or "it appears that".

How does "the data suggests that" differ from "the data proves that"?

"The data suggests that" indicates an inference or trend, while "the data proves that" implies a conclusive demonstration. Using "suggests" acknowledges uncertainty, whereas "proves" asserts certainty. Be very careful about implying absolute certainty.