C1 Expression Formal 3 min de lectura

The outcomes suggest

Research methodology and reporting expression

Use this phrase to present evidence-based conclusions with professional caution and intellectual humility.

En 15 segundos

  • A cautious way to explain what results or data actually mean.
  • Used to avoid sounding too aggressive or overly certain about facts.
  • Commonly found in business reports, academic papers, and professional discussions.

Significado

This phrase is used when you look at the results of a test or situation and explain what they seem to show. It is a polite, cautious way to share a conclusion based on evidence.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

Presenting quarterly sales data

The outcomes suggest that our new marketing strategy is finally working.

The outcomes suggest that our new marketing strategy is finally working.

💼
2

Reviewing a failed science experiment

The outcomes suggest that the temperature was too high for the reaction.

The outcomes suggest that the temperature was too high for the reaction.

👔
3

Texting a friend about a bad date

He didn't call back; the outcomes suggest he's just not that into me.

He didn't call back; the outcomes suggest he's just not that into me.

😄
🌍

Contexto cultural

This phrase reflects the Western scientific method's influence on everyday language. It prioritizes evidence over personal opinion and values 'hedging' to avoid being proven wrong later. In British and American professional settings, using this phrase makes you appear more credible and less biased.

💡

The Power of 'That'

Always follow this phrase with 'that' to make your sentence flow perfectly into your conclusion.

⚠️

Don't be too certain

Avoid saying 'The outcomes suggest that it is 100% true.' The word 'suggest' already implies a bit of uncertainty.

En 15 segundos

  • A cautious way to explain what results or data actually mean.
  • Used to avoid sounding too aggressive or overly certain about facts.
  • Commonly found in business reports, academic papers, and professional discussions.

What It Means

The outcomes suggest is a classic piece of 'hedging.' In English, we often avoid saying things are 100% certain. Instead, we look at the results—the outcomes—and say they 'point' in a direction. It means you have evidence, but you are leaving a little room for error. It is like saying, 'I’m not a fortune teller, but the data looks like this.'

How To Use It

You use this phrase to introduce a discovery or a trend. Usually, you follow it with the word that. For example: The outcomes suggest that people prefer coffee over tea. It sounds professional and thoughtful. You can use it in a report or even when discussing your bank account. It transforms a raw fact into a smart observation. It makes you sound like someone who thinks before they speak.

When To Use It

Use this in any situation where you are reviewing results. It is perfect for business meetings when looking at sales figures. It works great in university essays to discuss research findings. You can even use it at home when looking at a messy kitchen. 'The outcomes suggest the kids had a party while we were out.' It adds a touch of sophisticated logic to your daily life.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this for things that are absolutely certain and obvious. If your house is on fire, don't say, 'The outcomes suggest a high temperature.' Just run! Also, avoid it in very casual, high-energy settings like a football game. You wouldn't say, 'The outcomes suggest we are losing.' Just scream 'We're losing!' It can sound a bit too 'robotic' if used during a very emotional heart-to-heart conversation.

Cultural Background

English-speaking academic and professional cultures value 'understatement.' We often think it is rude or risky to be too aggressive with our claims. By using suggest, you show that you are objective and humble. This style of speaking became very popular in the 20th century. It is the hallmark of a 'scientific' or 'evidence-based' mindset. It protects your reputation if the results change later.

Common Variations

You might hear The results indicate or The data implies. If you are talking about just one result, use The outcome suggests. If you want to be even more cautious, try The outcomes would seem to suggest. It’s like adding extra layers of politeness to your facts. It’s the linguistic equivalent of wearing a very nice suit to a meeting.

Notas de uso

This is a high-register phrase. Use it in writing or formal speaking to show you are analyzing data objectively rather than just sharing an opinion.

💡

The Power of 'That'

Always follow this phrase with 'that' to make your sentence flow perfectly into your conclusion.

⚠️

Don't be too certain

Avoid saying 'The outcomes suggest that it is 100% true.' The word 'suggest' already implies a bit of uncertainty.

💬

The 'Humble' Expert

In English-speaking countries, the smartest person in the room is often the one who uses the most cautious language.

Ejemplos

6
#1 Presenting quarterly sales data
💼

The outcomes suggest that our new marketing strategy is finally working.

The outcomes suggest that our new marketing strategy is finally working.

A professional way to link data to a specific cause.

#2 Reviewing a failed science experiment
👔

The outcomes suggest that the temperature was too high for the reaction.

The outcomes suggest that the temperature was too high for the reaction.

Used here to identify a mistake without sounding defensive.

#3 Texting a friend about a bad date
😄

He didn't call back; the outcomes suggest he's just not that into me.

He didn't call back; the outcomes suggest he's just not that into me.

Using formal language for a personal situation adds a touch of humor.

#4 Discussing a child's school report
🤝

The outcomes suggest she needs a bit more help with her math.

The outcomes suggest she needs a bit more help with her math.

Softer and more constructive than saying 'She is bad at math.'

#5 Analyzing a relationship's future
💭

The outcomes suggest we are moving in different directions in life.

The outcomes suggest we are moving in different directions in life.

Provides a logical distance to a very difficult emotional realization.

#6 Talking about a fitness journey
😄

The outcomes suggest that eating pizza every night isn't helping my diet.

The outcomes suggest that eating pizza every night isn't helping my diet.

Self-deprecating humor using overly formal logic.

Ponte a prueba

Complete the sentence to sound like a professional researcher.

The ___ suggest that the new drug is effective for most patients.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: outcomes

`Outcomes` refers to the actual results of the study, which is what 'suggests' the conclusion.

Choose the correct verb form for a singular result.

The primary outcome ___ that we should stop the project immediately.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: suggests

Since 'outcome' is singular, the verb must be 'suggests'.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality Spectrum

Informal

It looks like...

It looks like we're late.

Neutral

The results show...

The results show we won.

Formal

The outcomes suggest...

The outcomes suggest a positive trend.

Very Formal

Empirical evidence would indicate...

Empirical evidence would indicate a correlation.

Where to use 'The outcomes suggest'

The outcomes suggest
💼

Boardroom Meeting

Analyzing sales drops.

🧪

Science Lab

Reporting on a chemical test.

🎓

University Essay

Discussing historical data.

🏥

Doctor's Office

Explaining medical test results.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

In this context, outcomes refers to the final results or consequences of a process, study, or event.

No, suggest is much weaker than prove. It means the evidence points that way, but it isn't a total guarantee.

Yes, but it might sound a bit sarcastic or overly formal unless you are talking about something serious.

Use suggest for plural (outcomes) and suggests for singular (outcome). For example: The outcomes suggest... vs The outcome suggests....

You can use The results indicate or The findings imply as professional alternatives.

Show is more direct and certain. Suggest is softer and more common in high-level academic writing.

Yes, it is very common in American business and academic settings, just as it is in British English.

It is better for evidence-based thoughts. If it's just your feeling, say I think or It seems to me.

It can if you use it too much. Mix it up with phrases like It appears that or We can see that.

Absolutely! Using this phrase correctly is a great sign of advanced English proficiency.

Frases relacionadas

The results indicate

A slightly stronger way to say the data shows something.

Preliminary findings show

Used when a study isn't finished yet but has early results.

Evidence points to

A more visual way to say that facts lead to a conclusion.

Draw a conclusion

The act of deciding what the results actually mean.

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