In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to give advice without being bossy.
- Used to soften claims and sound more objective.
- Perfect for professional emails, reports, and academic writing.
Meaning
This phrase is a polite way to share an idea or opinion without sounding too bossy. It makes your statement feel like a gentle hint rather than a direct command or a hard fact.
Key Examples
3 of 6Writing a formal business report
It is suggested that the company invest in new software.
It is suggested that the company invest in new software.
A doctor giving health advice
It is suggested that you reduce your sugar intake.
It is suggested that you reduce your sugar intake.
Feedback on a coworker's project
It is suggested that the layout be simplified for the user.
It is suggested that the layout be simplified for the user.
Cultural Background
This phrase is rooted in the Anglo-American tradition of 'negative politeness,' which avoids imposing on others. It became a staple of academic and 'Pentagon-style' corporate writing in the mid-20th century to project an air of detached expertise. In British English, it is often used as a 'polite imperative'—a way to give an order that doesn't sound like one.
The Subjunctive Secret
For extra 'native-level' points, use the base form of the verb after 'that'. Say 'It is suggested that he stay' instead of 'he stays'. It sounds very sophisticated!
Don't Sound Like a Robot
If you use this phrase with your partner during a romantic dinner, they might think you are reading a legal contract. Save it for the office!
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to give advice without being bossy.
- Used to soften claims and sound more objective.
- Perfect for professional emails, reports, and academic writing.
What It Means
It is suggested that is a classic 'hedging' phrase. It creates a buffer between you and your statement. Instead of saying 'Do this,' you are saying 'The idea exists that you should do this.' It shifts the focus from the speaker to the suggestion itself. This makes your words feel objective and less aggressive. Think of it as putting a soft velvet glove over a firm point.
How To Use It
You follow this phrase with a full clause. Usually, you use the 'subjunctive' mood or a modal like should. For example: It is suggested that he arrive on time. It sounds very polished. You can use it to introduce feedback or new data. It is like presenting a gift rather than throwing a rock. Use it when you want to be persuasive but stay humble.
When To Use It
Use this in professional emails or academic papers. It is perfect for performance reviews at work. Use it when you need to tell your boss something might be wrong. It works well in doctor’s offices or legal advice too. If you are writing a guide, it sounds more authoritative yet respectful. It is the 'safe mode' of English communication.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your best friends at a bar. You will sound like a robot or a textbook. Avoid it in emergencies. If a building is on fire, don't say It is suggested that you exit. Just yell 'Run!' Also, avoid it if you need to show extreme confidence. If you are 100% sure, just state the fact. Overusing it can make you sound indecisive or weak.
Cultural Background
English culture, especially in the UK and corporate America, values 'politeness strategies.' We often avoid direct confrontation to save 'face.' This phrase comes from a history of formal bureaucracy and scientific writing. It implies that the evidence is speaking, not just the person. It reflects a cultural desire to appear objective and fair. It is the language of diplomacy and careful negotiation.
Common Variations
You might hear It is recommended that for stronger advice. Evidence suggests that is used for scientific facts. It has been suggested that implies people have been talking about it for a while. If you want to be slightly less formal, try One might suggest that. These all help you navigate tricky social waters without making enemies.
Usage Notes
This is a high-level (C1) expression primarily used in formal writing and professional speech. It utilizes the passive voice to create distance and should be paired with the subjunctive mood for maximum grammatical accuracy.
The Subjunctive Secret
For extra 'native-level' points, use the base form of the verb after 'that'. Say 'It is suggested that he stay' instead of 'he stays'. It sounds very sophisticated!
Don't Sound Like a Robot
If you use this phrase with your partner during a romantic dinner, they might think you are reading a legal contract. Save it for the office!
The 'Polite' No
In British culture, if someone says 'It is suggested that you reconsider,' they are often politely telling you that your idea is terrible. Watch the tone!
Examples
6It is suggested that the company invest in new software.
It is suggested that the company invest in new software.
Makes the recommendation sound based on data, not just personal opinion.
It is suggested that you reduce your sugar intake.
It is suggested that you reduce your sugar intake.
Softens the medical command to make the patient feel more comfortable.
It is suggested that the layout be simplified for the user.
It is suggested that the layout be simplified for the user.
Avoids blaming the coworker for a 'bad' design.
It is suggested that you bring that expensive wine tonight.
It is suggested that you bring that expensive wine tonight.
Using a formal phrase for a silly request creates a humorous effect.
It is suggested that more time be spent on math practice.
It is suggested that more time be spent on math practice.
Provides a clear path for improvement without being overly critical.
It is suggested that we listen more to each other's needs.
It is suggested that we listen more to each other's needs.
Uses the passive voice to avoid pointing fingers during a conflict.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to complete the formal suggestion.
It is suggested that the meeting ___ postponed until Friday.
In formal English, 'It is suggested that' often triggers the subjunctive mood, using 'be' instead of 'is'.
Which phrase makes this claim sound less aggressive?
___ you are wrong about the budget.
'It is suggested that' hedges the claim, making it less of a direct attack.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Level of Suggestions
Direct and casual
Maybe try...
Standard advice
I think you should...
Professional hedging
It is suggested that...
Highly bureaucratic
It is strongly recommended that...
Where to use 'It is suggested that'
Academic Paper
It is suggested that the data is skewed.
Office Email
It is suggested that we meet at 9 AM.
Policy Document
It is suggested that masks be worn.
Polite Critique
It is suggested that you edit the intro.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesIt is suggested that the meeting ___ postponed until Friday.
In formal English, 'It is suggested that' often triggers the subjunctive mood, using 'be' instead of 'is'.
___ you are wrong about the budget.
'It is suggested that' hedges the claim, making it less of a direct attack.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questionsHedging is using language to make a statement less direct or certain. Phrases like It is suggested that protect the speaker from being proven wrong or appearing rude.
Not quite. I suggest is personal and direct. It is suggested that is passive and anonymous, making it feel more like a general consensus or a formal rule.
Only if you are being funny or very formal with a new landlord. In a casual text, it sounds way too stiff.
In formal writing, yes, you should keep that. In spoken English, people sometimes skip it, but for this specific phrase, keeping it sounds more natural.
Using it for something obvious. Don't say It is suggested that the sun is hot. Use it for opinions or recommendations, not undeniable facts.
In some aggressive business cultures, maybe. But in most professional settings, it makes you sound thoughtful and diplomatic.
Yes! It’s a great way to complain politely. For example: It is suggested that the noise levels be reduced.
Both use it! However, it is slightly more common in British English due to their cultural preference for indirectness.
Usually the present tense or the subjunctive. Example: It is suggested that she attend (not 'attends').
Absolutely. It is the standard way to present a hypothesis without claiming it is 100% proven yet.
No, you should avoid It is suggested to [verb]. Always use the full clause: It is suggested that [subject] [verb].
Related Phrases
It appears that
Used to describe something that seems true based on evidence.
It is recommended that
A slightly stronger version of a suggestion, often used by experts.
One might argue that
A way to introduce a potentially controversial opinion politely.
Evidence points to
A more factual way to suggest a conclusion based on data.
