C1 Expression Neutral 5 min read

There are suggestions that

Hedging expression to soften claims

In 15 Seconds

  • Politely introduce unconfirmed information.
  • Use when you're not 100% sure.
  • Good for professional and educated casual talk.
  • Avoid when certainty is required.

Meaning

Think of `there are suggestions that` as your polite way of saying, 'I heard this, but I'm not totally sure, so don't quote me on it!' It's like whispering a juicy rumor at a party, but in a super sophisticated way. It softens the blow of potentially incorrect information, making you sound reasonable and not like you're spreading gossip as fact. It’s perfect when you want to share a possibility or a hint without committing to it fully.

Key Examples

3 of 11
1

Texting a friend about a movie rumor

Hey, there are suggestions that the sequel might be delayed, but hopefully not!

Hey, there are suggestions that the sequel might be delayed, but hopefully not!

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2

Emailing a colleague about a project update

Regarding the Q3 targets, there are suggestions that we might need to revise them based on market trends.

Regarding the Q3 targets, there are suggestions that we might need to revise them based on market trends.

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3

Discussing a news article

The article mentions that there are suggestions that the new policy could impact small businesses.

The article mentions that there are suggestions that the new policy could impact small businesses.

🌍

Cultural Background

The phrase `there are suggestions that` likely emerged from the need for academic and professional discourse to allow for speculation and hypothesis testing without presenting them as established facts. It reflects a cultural value placed on intellectual honesty and the scientific method, where ideas are presented with appropriate caveats. Its existence acknowledges that knowledge often progresses through tentative steps and ongoing investigation rather than absolute certainty.

💡

Sound Like a Savvy Analyst

Use this phrase when presenting preliminary findings or potential outcomes. It positions you as someone who analyzes information carefully, acknowledging uncertainty.

💬

The British Reserve

This phrase fits perfectly with cultures that value understatement and politeness, like many English-speaking societies. It's a way to share information without sounding overly assertive or definitive.

In 15 Seconds

  • Politely introduce unconfirmed information.
  • Use when you're not 100% sure.
  • Good for professional and educated casual talk.
  • Avoid when certainty is required.

What It Means

This phrase is your secret weapon for sounding informed without being absolutely certain. It's a gentle way to introduce a possibility or a piece of information that isn't definitively proven. You're essentially saying, 'Some people think this,' or 'It seems likely that...' It's less direct than stating a fact, which can be super useful! It carries a vibe of cautious optimism or informed speculation. It’s like wearing a stylish hat – it adds a touch of flair and sophistication to your communication.

How To Use It

Use there are suggestions that when you want to convey information that's not 100% confirmed. This could be anything from a potential change in a project timeline to a rumor about a new feature on your favorite app. You can use it to introduce an idea, a theory, or a piece of hearsay. It's excellent for brainstorming sessions where you want to put ideas on the table without claiming they are gospel. Imagine you're discussing a plot twist in a Netflix show; you could say, There are suggestions that the butler did it, but I'm not convinced. It keeps the conversation flowing without shutting down possibilities.

Formality & Register

This phrase is quite versatile. It leans towards formal or semi-formal settings, making it a great choice for professional emails, reports, or presentations. However, it's not so stiff that you can't use it in a more relaxed, educated conversation among friends. Think of it as a smart casual outfit for your words – appropriate for many occasions. It’s definitely not slang, but it’s also not overly stuffy. It strikes a nice balance, like a perfectly brewed cup of tea – not too hot, not too cold. You wouldn't use it to yell across a football stadium, but you might use it to discuss the referee's call afterwards.

Real-Life Examples

Imagine your company is launching a new product. You might say, There are suggestions that the launch date will be pushed back due to supply chain issues. Or perhaps you're discussing a scientific article: There are suggestions that a new treatment could be effective for certain conditions. In a casual chat about a celebrity, you could say, There are suggestions that they might be getting back together. It’s all about presenting information with a degree of uncertainty. It’s like leaving a little wiggle room for error, which is always a good idea, right? We’re all human, after all!

When To Use It

This is your go-to phrase when you're reporting on unconfirmed news or preliminary findings. Use it when you want to sound knowledgeable but also humble. It’s perfect for academic discussions, business meetings, and even when sharing speculative news online. If you're a travel vlogger and heard a rumor about a hidden gem restaurant, you could say, There are suggestions that this tiny place serves the best pasta in Rome. It adds an air of intrigue. It’s also great when you want to introduce a hypothesis in a science class or a potential solution in a team meeting. It signals that you’ve done some research or heard something, but you’re open to further information.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid there are suggestions that when you are absolutely 100% certain about a fact. If you know for sure that your flight is delayed, just say, 'My flight is delayed.' Don't hedge unnecessarily! Also, steer clear if you're trying to sound decisive and authoritative, like a drill sergeant or a lead negotiator. This phrase is about softness, not strength. It’s not the phrase you’d use when giving a direct order or stating a critical safety warning. For example, you wouldn’t say, There are suggestions that the building might be on fire – just yell 'FIRE!' instead. That’s a bit more urgent.

Common Mistakes

A common slip-up is using it when you should be direct. For instance, saying There are suggestions that the meeting is cancelled when you actually have the cancellation email in hand. Another mistake is overusing it, making you sound indecisive or like you don't have any firm information. It's like adding too much salt to a dish – it overpowers everything else. Remember, clarity is key, and sometimes a direct statement is best. It’s a tool, not a crutch.

Common Variations

While there are suggestions that is quite standard, you might hear slight variations. Sometimes people might say, 'It's suggested that...' or 'Sources suggest that...' These are very similar in meaning and formality. In more casual settings, you might hear something like, 'Word is...' or 'I heard...' but these are much less formal. Think of there are suggestions that as the sophisticated older sibling of I heard.... It’s the one who wears a tweed jacket to the party.

Real Conversations

Friend 1: Did you hear about the new cafe opening downtown?

Friend 2: Yeah, there are suggestions that it's going to be a vegan place, but I haven't seen any official confirmation yet.

Colleague 1: What's the latest on the marketing campaign?

Colleague 2: Well, there are suggestions that we might need to adjust the target demographic based on the initial feedback.

Quick FAQ

Q. Is this phrase always formal?

A. Not strictly! It leans formal but works in educated casual chat too.

Q. Can I use it for gossip?

A. You can, but it makes gossip sound more refined. Use with caution!

Q. What if I'm totally sure?

A. Then don't use it! Be direct. This phrase is for uncertainty.

Q. Is it similar to 'it is said that'?

A. Yes, very similar! Both introduce unconfirmed info politely.

Usage Notes

This phrase is best used when you want to introduce information that is not definitively confirmed. It carries a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for professional and academic contexts, as well as educated casual conversation. Avoid using it for absolute facts or when a direct, assertive statement is required.

💡

Sound Like a Savvy Analyst

Use this phrase when presenting preliminary findings or potential outcomes. It positions you as someone who analyzes information carefully, acknowledging uncertainty.

💬

The British Reserve

This phrase fits perfectly with cultures that value understatement and politeness, like many English-speaking societies. It's a way to share information without sounding overly assertive or definitive.

⚠️

Avoid Over-Hedging!

Don't use 'There are suggestions that' when you *know* something is true. It can make you sound indecisive or untrustworthy if overused. Stick to facts when you have them!

🎯

Vary Your Vocabulary

While useful, mix it up! Try 'It's indicated that...', 'Indications are that...', or 'It seems likely that...' to keep your language fresh.

Examples

11
#1 Texting a friend about a movie rumor
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Hey, there are suggestions that the sequel might be delayed, but hopefully not!

Hey, there are suggestions that the sequel might be delayed, but hopefully not!

Used here to share a rumor about a movie release without stating it as a definite fact.

#2 Emailing a colleague about a project update
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Regarding the Q3 targets, there are suggestions that we might need to revise them based on market trends.

Regarding the Q3 targets, there are suggestions that we might need to revise them based on market trends.

Introduces a potential change in targets, signaling that this is a possibility being considered, not a final decision.

#3 Discussing a news article

The article mentions that there are suggestions that the new policy could impact small businesses.

The article mentions that there are suggestions that the new policy could impact small businesses.

Reports on what an article implies or hints at, maintaining distance from the unconfirmed aspect.

#4 Instagram caption about a travel destination
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Exploring this hidden alleyway today! There are suggestions that it leads to a secret garden. 🤫

Exploring this hidden alleyway today! There are suggestions that it leads to a secret garden. 🤫

Adds a touch of mystery and intrigue to a travel post, hinting at a possibility without confirming it.

#5 Zoom job interview
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In terms of team collaboration, there are suggestions that implementing a new communication tool could improve efficiency.

In terms of team collaboration, there are suggestions that implementing a new communication tool could improve efficiency.

Presents a potential solution in a professional context, framed as a possibility rather than a demand.

#6 Casual chat about a celebrity couple
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I saw some pics online, and there are suggestions that they're back together, but who knows!

I saw some pics online, and there are suggestions that they're back together, but who knows!

Used to relay gossip or speculation in a lighthearted, non-committal way.

#7 Mistake: Overly cautious in a direct situation
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✗ I heard there are suggestions that the train is cancelled → ✓ I heard the train is cancelled.

✗ I heard there are suggestions that the train is cancelled → ✓ I heard the train is cancelled.

The phrase adds unnecessary hedging when the information is likely factual and direct communication is better.

#8 Mistake: Using it for a known fact

✗ There are suggestions that the Earth is round. → ✓ The Earth is round.

✗ There are suggestions that the Earth is round. → ✓ The Earth is round.

This phrase should not be used for universally accepted facts; it implies doubt where none exists.

#9 Humorous take on a vague rumor
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My neighbor's cat looked at me funny today; there are suggestions that he knows my deepest secrets.

My neighbor's cat looked at me funny today; there are suggestions that he knows my deepest secrets.

Used humorously to exaggerate a vague feeling or observation into a fantastical possibility.

#10 Sharing a hopeful possibility
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After the surgery, there are suggestions that she'll make a full recovery, which is wonderful news.

After the surgery, there are suggestions that she'll make a full recovery, which is wonderful news.

Expresses a positive outlook based on medical opinions, while still acknowledging it's not a guarantee.

#11 Discussing a scientific paper
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The preliminary findings suggest a correlation, and there are suggestions that further research could confirm a causal link.

The preliminary findings suggest a correlation, and there are suggestions that further research could confirm a causal link.

Appropriately used in a scientific context to introduce a hypothesis based on initial data.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: There are suggestions

This option correctly introduces unconfirmed but positive information about the restaurant.

Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.

Which sentence uses 'There are suggestions that' appropriately?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: D

Option D correctly uses the phrase to indicate uncertain information about the meeting time. Option A is incorrect because the sun rising in the east is a fact. Option B is too informal and direct for this phrase. Option C implies certainty about a factual event.

Find and fix the error in the sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

While similar, 'It is suggested' can sound more passive or impersonal. 'There are suggestions that' often feels more natural when introducing potential reasons or outcomes based on multiple inputs or observations.

Translate this sentence into English.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

This translation accurately captures the nuance of introducing a positive but unconfirmed outcome.

Fill in the blank.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: there are suggestions

This phrase fits well for introducing potential technical problems that are being discussed or considered.

Find and fix the error.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

The phrase requires the plural 'suggestions' because it refers to multiple potential indicators or opinions pointing towards a conclusion.

Choose the correct option.

Which sentence is the best way to politely express uncertainty about a rumor?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B

Option B uses the target phrase to politely introduce a rumor without confirming it, fitting the context of uncertainty.

Complete the sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: there are suggestions

This phrase is suitable for scientific or medical contexts where initial results hint at a positive outcome but require further verification.

🎉 Score: /8

Visual Learning Aids

Formality Spectrum of 'There are suggestions that'

Very Informal

Too formal for casual slang or texting.

Nah, wouldn't use it here.

Informal

Can be used in educated casual conversation, but might sound a bit formal.

Heard there are suggestions the movie's delayed.

Neutral/Semi-Formal

This is the sweet spot. Perfect for professional emails, reports, and educated discussions.

There are suggestions that the deadline will be extended.

Formal

Appropriate for academic papers and official statements where caution is needed.

There are suggestions that the data indicates a trend.

Very Formal

Might be slightly too wordy for extremely formal, concise legal documents, but generally fits.

There are suggestions that the proposed legislation may face challenges.

When to Use 'There are suggestions that'

Introducing Unconfirmed Information
💼

Business Meeting

There are suggestions that we should explore new markets.

🎓

Academic Discussion

There are suggestions that this theory needs further testing.

📰

News Report (Speculative)

There are suggestions that the policy might change.

📈

Team Project Update

There are suggestions that the timeline might slip.

🗣️

Casual Conversation (Educated)

There are suggestions that the new restaurant is excellent.

🔬

Scientific Research

There are suggestions that the results indicate a pattern.

Comparing 'There are suggestions that' with Similar Phrases

Phrase
There are suggestions that Implies multiple hints or opinions point to a possibility.
It is suggested that
It is suggested that Often used for formal recommendations or hypotheses, can sound more passive.
Rumor has it
Rumor has it Very informal, used for gossip or unverified news among friends.
Sources say
Sources say Implies information comes from specific, though unnamed, origins; more direct than 'suggestions'.

Usage Scenarios for 'There are suggestions that'

👔

Professional

  • Business reports
  • Project updates
  • Meeting minutes
  • Strategic planning
📚

Academic

  • Research papers
  • Thesis discussions
  • Conference presentations
  • Study group chats
🤔

  • Predicting trends
  • Discussing rumors
  • Hypothesizing outcomes
  • Sharing possibilities
💬

  • Discussing news
  • Talking about movies/shows
  • Sharing local info
  • General conversation

Practice Bank

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase. Fill Blank beginner

______ that the new restaurant downtown has amazing reviews.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: There are suggestions

This option correctly introduces unconfirmed but positive information about the restaurant.

Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly. Choose intermediate

Which sentence uses 'There are suggestions that' appropriately?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: D

Option D correctly uses the phrase to indicate uncertain information about the meeting time. Option A is incorrect because the sun rising in the east is a fact. Option B is too informal and direct for this phrase. Option C implies certainty about a factual event.

Find and fix the error in the sentence. Error Fix intermediate

Find and fix the mistake:

It is suggested that the project will be delayed.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: There are suggestions that the project will be delayed.

While similar, 'It is suggested' can sound more passive or impersonal. 'There are suggestions that' often feels more natural when introducing potential reasons or outcomes based on multiple inputs or observations.

Translate this sentence into English. Translate advanced

Il y a des suggestions que le film sera un succès.

Hints: Translate 'Il y a' as 'There are'., 'des suggestions' means 'suggestions'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: There are suggestions that the movie will be a success.

This translation accurately captures the nuance of introducing a positive but unconfirmed outcome.

Fill in the blank. Fill Blank intermediate

Regarding the new software update, ______ that it might cause compatibility issues with older systems.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: there are suggestions

This phrase fits well for introducing potential technical problems that are being discussed or considered.

Find and fix the error. Error Fix advanced

Find and fix the mistake:

There are suggestion that the flight is on time.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: There are suggestions that the flight is on time.

The phrase requires the plural 'suggestions' because it refers to multiple potential indicators or opinions pointing towards a conclusion.

Choose the correct option. Choose beginner

Which sentence is the best way to politely express uncertainty about a rumor?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B

Option B uses the target phrase to politely introduce a rumor without confirming it, fitting the context of uncertainty.

Complete the sentence. Fill Blank advanced

Based on the preliminary data, ______ that the new drug shows promise in treating the condition.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: there are suggestions

This phrase is suitable for scientific or medical contexts where initial results hint at a positive outcome but require further verification.

🎉 Score: /8

Frequently Asked Questions

20 questions

It means that there's some information, evidence, or opinions floating around that point towards a certain possibility or conclusion. You're sharing something you've heard or read, but you're not presenting it as a confirmed fact. It's a polite way to introduce unverified information, like saying 'I've heard whispers about this,' but in a more formal tone.

This phrase is perfect for situations where you want to share information that isn't fully confirmed yet. Think of discussing potential project delays, reporting on preliminary research findings, or even mentioning a rumor about a new movie release. It works well in professional emails, academic discussions, or any context where you need to be cautious about the certainty of your statements.

Yes, you absolutely can, especially if you're aiming for a more educated or thoughtful tone. While it leans slightly formal, it's not stiff. You might use it when discussing a news story with friends or sharing a tidbit you heard about a local event. It sounds more refined than just saying 'I heard...' and adds a touch of sophistication to your casual chat.

Definitely! It's a great tool for professional communication. Use it when you need to relay potentially sensitive or unconfirmed information, like market trends, competitor activities, or internal policy changes. It shows you're informed but also measured in your statements, which is highly valued in business settings.

Both phrases introduce unconfirmed information, but 'There are suggestions that' often implies multiple sources or pieces of evidence pointing to the conclusion. 'It is suggested that' can sometimes sound more like a formal recommendation or a single, authoritative opinion being presented. Think of 'suggestions' as a collection of hints, while 'suggested' might be a more direct proposal.

'Rumor has it' is very informal and typically used among friends when sharing gossip or unverified news with a lighthearted tone. 'There are suggestions that' is more neutral to formal and sounds more professional or analytical. You'd use 'Rumor has it' about celebrity gossip; you'd use 'There are suggestions that' about potential market shifts.

You should avoid this phrase when you are stating a known fact. For example, if you are absolutely sure your flight is delayed, you should just say, 'My flight is delayed.' Using 'There are suggestions that my flight is delayed' would sound strange and unnecessarily hesitant, implying you're not even sure about something concrete.

A frequent mistake is using it for facts that are universally known or easily verifiable, like 'There are suggestions that the Earth is round.' This makes the speaker sound uncertain about basic knowledge. Another error is using it when a direct statement is needed for clarity or urgency, such as in safety instructions.

Not at all! The phrase is neutral. It can be used to introduce positive possibilities ('There are suggestions that the new policy will boost sales'), negative possibilities ('There are suggestions that the project might face delays'), or simply neutral information ('There are suggestions that the meeting room has been changed'). The context determines the sentiment.

Yes, for very casual settings, you might hear phrases like 'Word is...' or 'I heard...' or even just 'Apparently...'. However, these lack the professional or analytical tone of 'There are suggestions that'. They are much more relaxed and suitable for chatting with close friends rather than colleagues.

Absolutely! It's excellent for presentations, especially when discussing research findings, market analysis, or future projections. It allows you to present possibilities or hypotheses without overstating their certainty. For example, 'Based on our initial data, there are suggestions that our customer engagement could increase by 15% next quarter.'

The phrase likely evolved from the need for careful, evidence-based communication in academic and scientific fields. It reflects a cultural emphasis on distinguishing between established facts and plausible hypotheses or preliminary findings, ensuring intellectual honesty.

This phrase is a classic example of hedging. Hedging involves using language to reduce the certainty of a statement. It's used to be polite, avoid commitment, or acknowledge limitations in knowledge, which is exactly what 'There are suggestions that' does by softening a claim.

Yes, combining it with modal verbs like 'might' or 'could' further emphasizes the uncertainty. For instance, 'There are suggestions that the event might be postponed' is perfectly natural and reinforces the speculative nature of the information.

If you want to sound slightly more confident while still being cautious, you could try phrases like 'Indications are that...' or 'The evidence suggests that...'. These still convey uncertainty but imply a stronger basis for that uncertainty than 'suggestions' might.

It's common in both! It's a standard phrase used across various English-speaking regions. You'll encounter it in academic journals, business reports, and even nuanced conversations in both American and British English contexts.

The common mistake is treating 'suggestions' as singular. The phrase is 'There **are** suggestions...' (plural). Learners might accidentally say 'There **is** suggestion...', which is grammatically incorrect. Always remember 'are' goes with the plural 'suggestions'.

While 'suggestion' can mean advice, in the phrase 'There are suggestions that...', it almost always refers to indications, hints, or pieces of information that point towards a conclusion, rather than direct advice given to someone. For example, 'There are suggestions that the market will grow' means indications of growth, not advice to invest.

On social media, you can use it to add a bit of intrigue or share unconfirmed news. For example, an Instagram caption could read: 'Just saw this new spot! There are suggestions that it has the best coffee in town. ☕️ Let's find out!' It makes the post more engaging.

Yes, you can add modal verbs like 'might' or 'could' after the phrase, such as 'There are suggestions that it *might* rain later.' This adds another layer of uncertainty. You could also follow it up with phrases like '...but it's not confirmed yet' or '...apparently'.

Related Phrases

👔

It is suggested that

formal version

Used to formally propose an idea or course of action, often based on some evidence or reasoning.

This phrase is a more formal and often more direct way to present a recommendation or hypothesis compared to the broader 'suggestions'.

🔗

Sources say

related topic

Indicates that the information comes from specific, though unnamed, origins.

Both phrases introduce unconfirmed information, but 'Sources say' implies specific origins, whereas 'suggestions' is vaguer.

🔄

Indications are that

synonym

Suggests that certain signs or evidence point towards a particular outcome or situation.

This phrase is very similar in meaning, implying that observable signs lead to a tentative conclusion, much like 'suggestions'.

😊

Rumor has it

informal version

An informal way to introduce gossip or unverified news.

While both introduce unconfirmed information, 'Rumor has it' is highly informal and typically used for gossip, unlike the neutral-to-formal 'suggestions'.

🔗

It seems likely that

related topic

Expresses a strong probability or likelihood based on available information.

This phrase also expresses uncertainty but leans more towards probability than the vaguer 'suggestions'.

↔️

To be honest

antonym

Used to preface a statement that the speaker considers frank or perhaps surprising.

This phrase signals certainty and directness, contrasting with 'There are suggestions that' which deliberately avoids certainty.

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