B2 Expression Formal 3 min de leitura

This suggests that

Presentation and public speaking expression

Use it to connect a fact to a conclusion without sounding too aggressive or stubborn.

Em 15 segundos

  • A polite way to explain what a fact likely means.
  • Perfect for presentations, meetings, and analyzing data or behavior.
  • Shows you are smart and open to other ideas.

Significado

You use this phrase to explain what a piece of information or evidence likely means. It is a polite way to share an opinion or conclusion without sounding too aggressive or 100% certain.

Exemplos-chave

3 de 6
1

In a business meeting

Our website traffic doubled last month. This suggests that our new marketing strategy is working.

Our website traffic doubled last month. This suggests that our new marketing strategy is working.

💼
2

Talking about a friend's behavior

He hasn't checked his phone all day. This suggests that he's really busy at work.

He hasn't checked his phone all day. This suggests that he's really busy at work.

🤝
3

Texting a colleague about a project

The client hasn't replied yet. This suggests that they might need more time to decide.

The client hasn't replied yet. This suggests that they might need more time to decide.

💼
🌍

Contexto cultural

This phrase is a prime example of 'hedging' in English communication. It reflects a cultural value placed on intellectual humility and collaborative discussion rather than making blunt, absolute claims. It became a staple of scientific and business English during the 20th century to allow for nuance in data analysis.

💡

The Power of Nuance

Use this phrase when you want to look like a critical thinker. It shows you aren't jumping to conclusions too fast.

⚠️

Don't be too vague

Always follow the phrase with a specific idea. Saying `This suggests that... something` makes you sound unsure of yourself.

Em 15 segundos

  • A polite way to explain what a fact likely means.
  • Perfect for presentations, meetings, and analyzing data or behavior.
  • Shows you are smart and open to other ideas.

What It Means

Think of this phrase as a bridge. On one side, you have a fact or a clue. On the other side, you have your smart conclusion. This suggests that connects them perfectly. It tells your listener, "Based on what we see here, I think this is the reason." It is much softer than saying "This proves that." It leaves a little room for discussion. It makes you sound like a thoughtful observer rather than a bossy know-it-all.

How To Use It

Using it is quite simple. You state a fact first. Then you add this suggests that followed by your idea. For example, "The lights are off. This suggests that nobody is home." You can use it to talk about data at work. You can also use it to analyze why your friend is acting weird. It works best when you have a specific reason for your thought. It is like being a detective in a movie. You find a clue and explain it to the audience.

When To Use It

This is a superstar phrase for presentations. It is perfect for meetings when you look at charts. Use it when you want to be persuasive but professional. It is also great for academic writing or essays. In casual life, use it when you want to sound a bit more serious. Maybe you are discussing a movie plot with friends. Or perhaps you are trying to figure out why your cat is staring at a wall. It adds a touch of intelligence to your daily English.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this for absolute, obvious facts. If it is raining, don't say, "The water is falling. This suggests that it is raining." That sounds like a robot trying to be human. Avoid it when you are 100% certain and need to be firm. If someone breaks a law, you don't say it "suggests" a crime. You say it "is" a crime. Also, keep it out of very high-energy, slang-heavy parties. It might sound a bit too formal while you are dancing.

Cultural Background

English speakers, especially in the UK and US, love "hedging." Hedging is the art of being cautious with your words. We often avoid saying things are 100% true to stay polite. It shows you respect other people's opinions. If you say "This is the truth," people might argue. If you say This suggests that, people feel invited to talk. It is a deeply rooted part of professional and academic culture.

Common Variations

If you want to mix things up, try This implies that. It is a bit more subtle. This indicates that is another great choice for data. If you are feeling casual, you might just say This means that. For a more academic vibe, use The evidence points to the fact that. Each one changes the flavor slightly. But This suggests that is the most versatile tool in your kit.

Notas de uso

This phrase sits in the 'Formal' to 'Neutral' register. It is a 'hedging' device, meaning it protects the speaker from being wrong by not claiming 100% certainty.

💡

The Power of Nuance

Use this phrase when you want to look like a critical thinker. It shows you aren't jumping to conclusions too fast.

⚠️

Don't be too vague

Always follow the phrase with a specific idea. Saying `This suggests that... something` makes you sound unsure of yourself.

💬

The 'Polite Brit' Secret

In British English, this is often used to disagree politely. If someone says `This suggests that you are wrong`, they are being very firm but very polite!

Exemplos

6
#1 In a business meeting
💼

Our website traffic doubled last month. This suggests that our new marketing strategy is working.

Our website traffic doubled last month. This suggests that our new marketing strategy is working.

Using the phrase to link data to a positive outcome.

#2 Talking about a friend's behavior
🤝

He hasn't checked his phone all day. This suggests that he's really busy at work.

He hasn't checked his phone all day. This suggests that he's really busy at work.

A polite way to guess why someone is unavailable.

#3 Texting a colleague about a project
💼

The client hasn't replied yet. This suggests that they might need more time to decide.

The client hasn't replied yet. This suggests that they might need more time to decide.

Softening a potentially stressful situation with a logical guess.

#4 A humorous observation at home
😄

The dog is sitting by his bowl. This suggests that I've forgotten his dinner again.

The dog is sitting by his bowl. This suggests that I've forgotten his dinner again.

Using formal language for a funny, everyday mistake.

#5 An emotional conversation
💭

She keeps looking at the exit. This suggests that she is feeling very uncomfortable here.

She keeps looking at the exit. This suggests that she is feeling very uncomfortable here.

Interpreting body language with empathy.

#6 Analyzing a movie plot
😊

The main character is wearing a ring. This suggests that he is still married.

The main character is wearing a ring. This suggests that he is still married.

Using a visual clue to draw a conclusion.

Teste-se

Choose the best phrase to complete the professional observation.

The survey results show high customer satisfaction. ___ our team is doing a great job.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: This suggests that

`This suggests that` is the most professional way to link the survey results to the team's performance.

Complete the logical conclusion.

The store is dark and the door is locked. ___ they are closed for the holiday.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: This suggests that

It connects the observation (dark, locked) to the likely reason (closed) politely.

🎉 Pontuação: /2

Recursos visuais

Formality of Explaining Conclusions

Informal

Blunt and direct.

This means...

Neutral

Clear and factual.

This shows that...

Formal

Polite and analytical.

This suggests that...

Where to use 'This suggests that'

This suggests that
📊

Business Presentation

Analyzing sales charts.

🎓

Academic Writing

Explaining research findings.

🤔

Social Analysis

Guessing a friend's mood.

💻

Problem Solving

Finding the cause of a bug.

Perguntas frequentes

11 perguntas

Not at all! While it is very common in presentations, you can use it anytime you are explaining a logical connection, like in an email or a deep conversation.

Yes, but it might sound a bit formal. If you are texting a close friend, you might prefer It seems like or I guess that instead.

Suggests means it is a likely theory. Proves means it is 100% a fact with no other possible explanation.

In spoken English, you can sometimes drop that, as in This suggests we are late. However, in writing, it is better to keep it for clarity.

Yes, it is a perfect academic phrase. It helps you analyze evidence without making claims that are too bold to support.

They are very close! Implies usually means the meaning is hidden or indirect, while suggests is a bit more about the conclusion you are drawing.

Yes. For example, Her smile suggests that she is happy. It is a polite way to interpret someone's feelings.

Yes, it is used globally in professional and academic settings. It is a standard part of the English language.

If you are 100% sure, you can use This demonstrates that or This confirms that to sound more confident.

Only if you use it for very obvious things. Use it for things that require a little bit of thinking or interpretation.

Usually, you need a sentence before it to provide context. For example: The sky is green. This suggests that a storm is coming.

Frases relacionadas

This indicates that

Used to point toward a specific fact or data point.

This implies that

Used when a meaning is suggested indirectly.

This points to

A more visual way to say evidence is leading to a conclusion.

It appears that

A slightly more casual way to say something seems to be true.

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