There is some evidence to suggest
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use this phrase to sound smart and polite while avoiding being proven wrong later.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to share an opinion without being too aggressive.
- Used to soften claims and sound more professional or academic.
- Perfect for meetings, essays, or debating ideas with friends.
Meaning
This phrase is a polite way to share an idea or theory without sounding too bossy or 100% certain. It helps you suggest something might be true while leaving room for other possibilities.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing office productivity
There is some evidence to suggest that shorter meetings actually improve our output.
There is some evidence to suggest that shorter meetings actually improve our output.
Talking about a friend's new crush
There is some evidence to suggest he likes you, given he bought you flowers.
There is some evidence to suggest he likes you, given he bought you flowers.
A formal academic presentation
There is some evidence to suggest that the climate shifted rapidly in this period.
There is some evidence to suggest that the climate shifted rapidly in this period.
Cultural Background
This expression stems from the scientific method and academic 'hedging' culture prevalent in English-speaking universities. It reflects a cultural value of intellectual humility, where stating a fact too boldly is seen as unsophisticated or rude. It became a staple of 'corporate speak' in the late 20th century to avoid liability and maintain a collaborative tone.
The 'That' Rule
Always remember to follow the phrase with `that`. It connects your 'evidence' to the actual idea you are sharing.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like you are hiding something or lack confidence. Use it once per point.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to share an opinion without being too aggressive.
- Used to soften claims and sound more professional or academic.
- Perfect for meetings, essays, or debating ideas with friends.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as a safety net for your opinions. It tells people, "I have some proof, but I'm not claiming to be a genius who knows everything." It transforms a hard fact into a gentle suggestion. You aren't saying something is definitely true. You are saying the clues point in that direction. It is the ultimate tool for being humble yet smart.
How To Use It
You usually put this at the start of a sentence. Follow it with the word that and then your observation. For example, There is some evidence to suggest that coffee makes me faster. It sounds much more professional than just saying, "Coffee makes me fast." You can also use it to point out someone's behavior without being mean. It makes you sound like a detective rather than a judge.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to be persuasive but polite. It is perfect for office meetings when you disagree with a boss. It works great in academic writing or when discussing news with friends. Use it when you have a hunch but don't want to look foolish if you're wrong. It’s the "I might be wrong, but look at this" of the English world.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in emergencies. Do not say, There is some evidence to suggest the house is on fire. Just yell "Fire!" Don't use it for things that are 100% obvious. Saying There is some evidence to suggest the sun is bright makes you sound like a robot. Also, avoid it in very intimate, emotional moments where directness is better. Your partner wants to hear "I love you," not a suggestion of evidence.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and North America, love "hedging." This is the cultural habit of avoiding direct conflict. We often think being too direct is aggressive or arrogant. Using phrases like this shows you are a "critical thinker." It suggests you respect the complexity of the world. It’s a hallmark of polite, intellectual conversation in Western culture.
Common Variations
You might hear There is reason to believe or Data suggests. Some people say Evidence points to for a slightly stronger feel. If you want to be even more cautious, try There might be some evidence to suggest. Each variation just changes how much "safety net" you want under your claim.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits firmly in the formal to neutral range. It is a 'power phrase' for sounding objective and is rarely used in high-energy or very informal slang-heavy conversations.
The 'That' Rule
Always remember to follow the phrase with `that`. It connects your 'evidence' to the actual idea you are sharing.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like you are hiding something or lack confidence. Use it once per point.
The British 'Understatement'
In the UK, this phrase is often used when the evidence is actually overwhelming, but they want to stay incredibly modest.
Examples
6There is some evidence to suggest that shorter meetings actually improve our output.
There is some evidence to suggest that shorter meetings actually improve our output.
Softens a suggestion that might annoy a boss who loves long meetings.
There is some evidence to suggest he likes you, given he bought you flowers.
There is some evidence to suggest he likes you, given he bought you flowers.
A playful, detective-like way to discuss gossip.
There is some evidence to suggest that the climate shifted rapidly in this period.
There is some evidence to suggest that the climate shifted rapidly in this period.
Standard way to present research findings cautiously.
There is some evidence to suggest I ate the whole pizza by myself.
There is some evidence to suggest I ate the whole pizza by myself.
Using formal language for a silly situation creates humor.
There is some evidence to suggest we aren't communicating as well as we used to.
There is some evidence to suggest we aren't communicating as well as we used to.
Makes a difficult observation feel less like an attack.
There is some evidence to suggest the cat was the one who broke the vase.
There is some evidence to suggest the cat was the one who broke the vase.
Playfully blaming a pet using formal logic.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence for a professional report.
___ that the new marketing strategy is working better than the old one.
This phrase provides the necessary professional 'hedge' for a business report.
Which phrase makes this humorous observation sound more 'scientific'?
___ that my dog understands English better than my teenager.
Using formal language for a funny personal observation creates a humorous contrast.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Making a Claim
Direct and personal
I think...
Standard opinion
It seems like...
Academic/Professional hedging
There is some evidence to suggest...
Strictly objective
The data indicates that...
When to use 'There is some evidence to suggest'
Business Meeting
Proposing a new idea to the team.
University Essay
Discussing a theory in a paper.
Polite Disagreement
Correcting a friend gently.
Sarcastic Humor
Stating the obvious in a fancy way.
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsHedging is using cautious language to avoid being too direct. Phrases like There is some evidence to suggest are classic examples of this.
No, you can use it anywhere! It works in offices, schools, and even in funny conversations with friends.
It's a bit formal for feelings. Saying There is some evidence to suggest I am sad sounds like you are a robot studying yourself.
Suggest is much weaker than prove. Use suggest when you aren't 100% sure yet.
Yes! It makes you sound thoughtful. For example: There is some evidence to suggest my skills align with your needs.
No, it actually makes you sound more honest. It shows you know that things aren't always black and white.
Yes, removing some makes the claim feel slightly stronger and more certain.
You could just say It looks like or I reckon. These are much more common in a pub or at home.
Very common, especially in news reporting, medicine, and corporate environments.
No, it almost always comes at the beginning to set the tone for the information following it.
Then don't use it! If you use it without any clues, people will eventually realize you're just making things up.
In a professional setting, yes. I think is about you; There is some evidence is about the facts.
Related Phrases
It appears that
A slightly more visual way to say something seems true.
Data indicates that
A very formal, number-focused version of the phrase.
One could argue that
Used to present a theory that might be controversial.
The findings imply
Common in science to show what the results might mean.
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