This suggests that

Using this phrase is like playing a game of "Observation + Inference." First, you state something you see or know (the observation). Then, you drop in this suggests that. Finally, you add your theory (the inference). For example: "The cafe is usually empty at 3 PM, but today there’s a line out the door. This suggests that they might be giving away free samples." See how smooth that is? You can also use it to connect two sentences. If you’re writing an email, you might say: "Sales dropped by 10% after we changed the logo. This suggests that our customers preferred the old design." It’s much more professional than saying "I think the new logo sucks."

This phrase lives in the "Neutral to Formal" neighborhood. You’ll find it all over Netflix documentaries, where the narrator explains why a certain bone was found in a certain cave. You’ll also see it in LinkedIn posts where "thought leaders" analyze the latest tech trends. It’s a bit too stiff for a casual text to your best friend about what to eat for dinner—unless you’re being ironic. If you text your friend, "You haven't replied in three hours; this suggests that you have been kidnapped by aliens," they’ll know you’re joking. In a job interview or a Zoom presentation, however, it’s absolute gold. It makes you sound objective and thoughtful rather than emotional.

Imagine you’re scrolling through TikTok and you see a creator using a new hashtag that’s suddenly everywhere. You might tell a friend, "The sheer volume of videos with this tag suggests that it’s a paid marketing campaign." Or think about online shopping. If a product has 500 reviews but they were all written on the same day, this suggests that the company might have bought fake reviews. In the professional world, if your boss keeps checking their watch during your presentation, this suggests that you need to wrap it up—quickly! It’s a phrase for people who pay attention to the world around them.

Use it whenever you want to sound like you’ve thought deeply about something. It’s perfect for data analysis: "The chart shows a spike in traffic at midnight; this suggests that our night-owl audience is growing." It’s also great for being a "soft" detective in social situations. If a friend suddenly starts wearing a lot of green, and green is their crush's favorite color, you could say, "The sudden change in your wardrobe suggests that someone has made an impression on you." It’s also the go-to phrase for academic writing, scientific reports, and any situation where you need to interpret a result without sounding like a know-it-all.

Don't use it when the fact is absolute and obvious. If you say, "The sky is blue; this suggests that it is not red," you’ll sound like a malfunctioning robot. Also, avoid it in high-energy, casual settings where speed is more important than precision. If your house is on fire, don't say, "The smoke rising from the kitchen suggests that we should exit the building." Just scream "Fire!" and run. Finally, don't use it if you actually *do* want to be 100% certain and assertive. If you’re a doctor and you’re sure about a diagnosis, this suggests that might make the patient feel nervous because it sounds like you’re just guessing.

Learners often forget the that or use the wrong verb form.

Also, don't confuse it with "This means that." "Means" is for direct translation or 100% certainty; "suggests" is for possibilities. If you use "suggests" for something certain, you sound like you're being overly shy.

If you find yourself saying this suggests that too often, you can mix it up. This implies that is a slightly more "hidden" version—it’s about things that aren't said out loud. This indicates that is even more formal and often used with physical evidence, like a thermometer indicating a fever. In casual chats, you might say It seems like or It looks as though. If you want to be really fancy in a university paper, try The evidence would appear to suggest that. Just don't use that one while ordering a pizza, or the delivery driver might think you've spent too much time in the library!

Is it okay for emails? Yes, it’s perfect for providing feedback or analyzing results. It keeps things professional. Does it sound too formal for friends? A little bit, but it works if you’re discussing something interesting like a movie plot or a news story. Can I use it in the past tense? Yes! You can say this suggested that if you are talking about a past observation. Is it the same as "this means"? Not quite. "Suggests" is for a likely theory, while "means" is for a definite fact. Can I use it to start a sentence? Absolutely, it’s a great way to link your thoughts together. Is there a shorter version? You can just say suggesting that if you're attaching it to the end of a sentence.