to suppress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to suppress" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used as a verb, meaning to prevent or restrain something from being expressed or revealed. Example: The government attempted to suppress information about the ongoing protests, but the news eventually leaked to the public.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I'll try to suppress my urges, or I don't penetrate.

Vice

"NEWS is what someone wants to suppress.

The Economist

Not trying to suppress it.

The Guardian

Trying to suppress crime, hey?

The New York Times - Sports

The police forcefully tried to suppress us".

The New York Times

You'd have to suppress it all".

The New York Times

Roach paused, unable to suppress his laughter.

The New York Times - Sports

(I'm learning to suppress the louder outcries).

The New Yorker

But it was wrong to suppress Levinson.

The New York Times

The temptation is to suppress such blemishes.

The Guardian - Books

She's had to suppress her own talent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to suppress", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being restrained or prevented. For instance, "to suppress a rebellion" versus "to suppress a cough".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "to suppress" in formal writing; vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "to inhibit", "to curb", or "to restrain" for enhanced nuance and impact.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to suppress" functions primarily as a verb phrase. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it acts as the main verb in a sentence, expressing the action of restraining or preventing something. Its function is consistent with standard English grammar, as Ludwig AI affirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to suppress" is a very common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to describe the act of restraining or preventing something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it conforms to standard English grammar. Examples from Ludwig show its versatility across contexts like news reporting, scientific writing, and general discourse. While the phrase carries a neutral tone, it's advisable to diversify vocabulary with synonyms like "to quell" or "to inhibit" to enhance writing impact. Remember, while "to suppress" is commonly found in News & Media, its application is equally relevant in various domains. The most authoritative sources using this phrase include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to quell

Similar in meaning, but often implies a more forceful ending to something that has already started.

to stifle

Suggests preventing something from developing or being expressed freely.

to subdue

Implies bringing something under control, often through force or authority.

to restrain

General term for holding something back or keeping it under control.

to stifle expression

Specifically targets the prevention of communication or articulation.

to inhibit

Focuses on restraining or preventing an action or feeling.

to silence

Emphasizes the act of making something or someone unable to speak or express themselves.

to curb

Emphasizes the act of restraining or controlling something, often a negative impulse.

to repress

Involves holding back or restraining something, often emotions or desires, sometimes unconsciously.

to contain

Focuses on keeping something within certain limits or boundaries.

FAQs

How can I use "to suppress" in a sentence?

You can use "to suppress" to indicate preventing something from developing or being expressed, as in: "The government tried "to suppress" the protests" or "She struggled "to suppress" her laughter".

What can I say instead of "to suppress"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to quell", "to stifle", or "to inhibit" to convey similar meanings to "to suppress".

When is it appropriate to use "to suppress" in writing?

"To suppress" is appropriate when you want to convey the idea of actively preventing something from being expressed, revealed, or developed. Its usage is versatile, fitting contexts from political discourse to personal emotions.

What is the difference between "to suppress" and "to repress"?

While both suggest holding something back, "to suppress" typically refers to consciously preventing something from being expressed or revealed, whereas "to repress" often implies an unconscious process of pushing down unwanted thoughts or feelings.