what does this suggest

USAGE SUMMARY

"what does this suggest" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when asking for further explanation or interpretation of something that has been previously mentioned. Example: "The data shows a decrease in sales for the past quarter. What does this suggest about our marketing strategy?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

If geography is destiny, what does this suggest?

Princeton University

And what does this suggest about the future of object culture more generally?

Harvard University

So what does this suggest if we're going out in the real world?

Yale University

What does this suggest about the how a person's state of mind affects physical health?

The New York Times

So what does this suggest about the impact of Trump's presidency on public attitudes?

The Washington Post

So what does this suggest for the future of Fleet Foxes?

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

What did this suggest?

The Guardian - Film

What does this tattoo suggest about this person?

The New York Times

What does this comment suggest about British-French relations before and after the entente?

The New York Times

A sample of some of the questions Professor Levine is prepared to answer: What does this research suggest about the role that national health insurance will play in improving health outcomes?

The New York Times

What does this all suggest?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, use this phrase to prompt the reader to consider the broader implications of a specific finding without stating them as absolute certainties.

Common error

Writers often use "what does this suggest" after a long, complex paragraph containing multiple points. This makes it unclear which specific fact is doing the "suggesting". Always ensure "this" refers to a singular, recent, and clear observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what does this suggest" functions as an interrogative sentence used to solicit an interpretation or hypothesis based on a specific referent. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase that serves as a tool for critical inquiry, often following the presentation of evidence or a phenomenon.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "what does this suggest" is an essential phrase for anyone engaged in analytical writing or public discourse. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a correct and versatile inquiry. The data reveals its heavy usage in elite academic settings like Princeton and Harvard, as well as in leading global publications like The New York Times. It is most effective when used to transition from observation to theory, though writers must be careful to ensure the word "this" clearly points to a specific preceding thought. Whether you are analyzing scientific data or political trends, this phrase serves as a sophisticated prompt for deeper understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what does this imply

Focuses more on logical consequences or hidden meanings rather than just surface-level suggestions.

what does this indicate

Suggests a more direct or evidence-based sign of something.

what does this tell us

A more inclusive and slightly more conversational way to ask for an interpretation.

what does this illustrate

Used when the data or evidence serves as a clear example or demonstration of a concept.

what can we infer from this

Emphasizes the active process of drawing a conclusion based on the evidence.

what does this mean

A broader, simpler alternative that covers general significance.

what does this point to

Suggests a metaphorical direction or a likely future outcome.

what is the significance of this

A more formal inquiry into the importance or weight of the findings.

what does this show

More direct and assertive regarding the visibility of the conclusion.

what does this communicate

Focuses on the message or information being conveyed by the subject.

FAQs

How do I use "what does this suggest" in a research paper?

You should use it to bridge the gap between your results and your discussion. For example, after stating a result, ask: "what does this suggest about the underlying mechanism?"

Is "what does this suggest" formal enough for academic writing?

Yes, it is widely used in high-level academic contexts such as Yale and Harvard. However, if you want to sound even more rigorous, you might use "what can be inferred from this finding?"

What is the difference between "what does this suggest" and "what does this imply"?

While often interchangeable, "suggest" is typically softer and open to multiple interpretations, whereas "what does this imply often points toward a more direct logical consequence.

Can I say "what does this indicate" instead?

Absolutely. Using "what does this indicate" is a perfectly valid alternative, especially when the evidence is strong enough to point to a specific conclusion.