which suggests

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which suggests" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing an implication or hinting at a possible outcome. For example: "John's recent comments, which suggest that he may be looking for a new job, have surprised many people."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which suggests it will not be.

The Economist

Which suggests a second theory.

The Guardian

Which suggests Wisden is on to something.

The Guardian

Which suggests they're getting comfortable in the region.

Yale University

Which suggests that the self is not fixed, but provisional.

The Guardian - Books

"But in Britain it is under, which suggests under-prescribing".

The Guardian

Which suggests an answer to the question I started with.

The New York Times

Which suggests a life span for many seasons to come.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(I can hear some groaning, which suggests some peers disagree).

The Guardian

Which suggests that people who have jobs aren't going anywhere.

The New York Times

Which suggests that they are, for some reason, beyond criticism.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which suggests" to introduce an implication or inference drawn from preceding information. Ensure the connection between the previous statement and the suggested outcome is clear and logical.

Common error

Avoid using "which suggests" when presenting a confirmed fact or established result. This phrase is meant to introduce a possibility or a reasonable inference, not a certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which suggests" functions as a connective, linking a preceding statement or observation to a potential implication or conclusion. It indicates that the prior information offers a hint or indication, without stating it as a definitive fact. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which suggests" is a versatile phrase used to introduce inferences or potential conclusions based on preceding information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it is crucial to use it when presenting a possibility rather than a definitive fact. Alternatives like "implying that" or "this indicates that" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Mastering the use of "which suggests" involves understanding its function as a connective and ensuring the logical link between the statement and the suggested outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this implies that

A more direct synonym, highlighting the logical consequence.

implying that

Focuses more directly on the act of implying, rather than suggesting a possibility.

this indicates that

Emphasizes the role of evidence in pointing towards a conclusion.

it follows that

Highlights the logical consequence or result.

pointing towards

Suggests directionality, indicating a trend or emerging conclusion.

one can infer that

Focuses on the act of drawing a conclusion based on evidence.

this may indicate

Reduces the strength of the suggestion, presenting it as one possibility.

hinting at

Suggests a subtle or indirect indication.

it would seem that

Introduces a more tentative or speculative conclusion.

this alludes to

Suggests an indirect reference or implication.

FAQs

How can I use "which suggests" in a sentence?

Use "which suggests" to introduce a logical inference or possible explanation based on prior information. For example, "The data showed a decline in sales, "which suggests" a need for revised marketing strategies."

What are some alternatives to "which suggests"?

Alternatives include phrases like "implying that", "this indicates that", or "hinting at", depending on the level of certainty and directness you want to convey.

Is "which suggests" formal or informal?

"Which suggests" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, making it versatile for various contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "this implies that" might be preferred in highly academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "which suggests" and "which proves"?

"Which suggests" indicates a possibility or inference, while "which proves" indicates a confirmed fact. Use "which suggests" when you're drawing a reasonable conclusion that isn't definitively proven and "which proves" when there is solid evidence.