while suggesting that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while suggesting that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a statement or idea that implies or indicates something indirectly. Example: "The author presents a compelling argument while suggesting that further research is needed in this area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The work questions if desegregation has led to some degree of racial equality while suggesting that discrimination still presents real dangers to the lives of people of color.

Vice

Last week, she voted against the government's motion to intervene in Syria, all the while suggesting that in time she might back military action.

The New York Times

Rumors have been floating around for a while suggesting that a new iteration of AirPods — AirPods 2, the rumor mill is calling them — would bring "Hey Siri" functionality.

TechCrunch

And he has repeatedly denounced violent and vulgar programs, while suggesting that à la carte plans could solve that problem.

The New York Times

This week Verratti described Conte as the best tactical coach he has played under, while suggesting that he could "symbolise the generation change" in the squad.

The Guardian - Sport

While suggesting that they could emerge in the future as part of a broad tax overhaul, they now stress that the proposals are not an immediate priority.

The New York Times

Dassault responded by suspending its relationship with Comet while suggesting that someone might have been trying to embarrass Dassault to keep its Rafale fighter jet's being selected.

The New York Times

Here, in a highly refracted and filtered way, he faces some of his most traumatic experiences — even while suggesting that he was spared their most harrowing implications.

The New Yorker

In the process, he simultaneously billboards the Notion-at-Hand while suggesting that he won't be caught Taking His Own Thought Too Seriously.

The New York Times - Books

These photographs bring out each scene's sculptural character, paradoxically eliminating the human element while suggesting that everything visible has been constructed or manipulated by human intervention.

The New York Times

John Kerry, the secretary of state, called Liby a "legal and appropriate target" for the US, while suggesting that Liby will receive justice in a civilian court.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while suggesting that" to introduce a nuanced interpretation or implication, particularly when you want to avoid a direct assertion. Ensure that the context supports the implied meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "while suggesting that" when a direct statement is more appropriate. Overusing this phrase can make your writing seem evasive or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while suggesting that" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a clause that provides additional information or a nuanced perspective on the main clause. This construction indicates that the information is being presented as an implication or a possibility, rather than a direct assertion. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while suggesting that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce indirect suggestions or implications. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It functions as a subordinating conjunction, providing a nuanced perspective without making direct assertions. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific writing, and business communications. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with the implied meaning and avoid overuse to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implying that

This alternative uses a more direct verb to indicate a suggestion.

indicating that

This alternative highlights the act of pointing something out indirectly.

hinting that

This alternative emphasizes the subtle nature of the suggestion.

intimating that

This alternative suggests a more delicate or subtle form of suggestion.

implying thereby that

Adds emphasis to the implication being drawn.

insinuating that

Suggests a subtle or indirect way of implying something, often negative.

alluding to the fact that

Indicates an indirect reference to something.

leaving the impression that

Focuses on the effect the statement has on the audience.

putting forward the idea that

Emphasizes the act of presenting an idea for consideration.

raising the possibility that

Highlights that the suggestion is a potential outcome or idea.

FAQs

How can I use "while suggesting that" in a sentence?

Use "while suggesting that" to introduce an idea or possibility without explicitly stating it as a fact. For example, "The data shows a slight increase in sales, while suggesting that the new marketing strategy is having a positive effect."

What are some alternatives to "while suggesting that"?

You can use alternatives like "implying that", "indicating that", or "hinting that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "while suggesting that" or to make a direct statement?

The choice depends on the context. Use "while suggesting that" when you want to present an interpretation or possibility without making a definitive claim. If you have solid evidence, a direct statement might be more effective.

What's the difference between "while suggesting that" and "while asserting that"?

"While suggesting that" introduces an idea indirectly, whereas "while asserting that" makes a firm declaration. The former is more tentative, while the latter is more forceful.