Finding the right alternative to It Can Be Suggested depends on what you want to communicate. In academic writing, you may need a more precise phrase such as the evidence indicates or this may suggest. In professional writing, it may be appropriate to say or this could indicate can sound more natural. everyday conversation, simpler options often work better.
Below are practical alternatives organized by tone and context, with examples showing when each phrase fits best.
Other Ways to Say It Can Be Suggested
- This may suggest
- This could suggest
- It may indicate
- It could indicate
- This implies
- This may imply
- This points to
- This could point to
- The evidence suggests
- The results suggest
- The findings indicate
- The data suggests
- This supports the idea that
- This provides evidence that
- One could argue that
- It is reasonable to suggest
- It is possible to suggest
- It may be reasonable to conclude
- This appears to suggest
- This seems to indicate
- This may demonstrate
- This could demonstrate
- This shows that
- This appears to indicate
- The evidence points toward
- The results point to
- The findings point toward
- This raises the possibility that
- This gives reason to believe
- One possible interpretation is
- A possible explanation is
- This is consistent with
- This lends support to
- This provides support for
- The available evidence indicates
The best choice depends on whether you are expressing evidence, interpretation, possibility, or an argument.
Formal Ways to Say It Can Be Suggested
Formal alternatives work well in academic papers, reports, research discussions, and professional documents.
Consider these options:
- It is reasonable to suggest that
- The evidence indicates that
- The findings suggest that
- The available evidence supports the view that
- The results indicate that
- One possible interpretation is that
- The evidence points toward the conclusion that
- This provides support for the view that
Example:
Instead of:
It can be suggested that the policy improved communication.
Use:
The evidence suggests that the policy improved communication.
The second version is more direct and makes the basis for the statement clearer.
Academic Alternatives to It Can Be Suggested
Academic writing often requires careful language because a writer may be presenting an interpretation rather than an established fact.
Useful alternatives include:
- The findings suggest that
- The evidence indicates that
- The results imply that
- This may indicate that
- This could suggest that
- The data points to
- The results appear to show
- The evidence supports the possibility that
- One possible interpretation is that
- These findings are consistent with the view that
- The results provide some support for
- The available evidence suggests
For example:
The findings suggest that access to additional resources may improve participation.
This is often more precise than:
It can be suggested that access to additional resources improves participation.
The first version clearly signals that the statement is an interpretation of findings.
Professional Ways to Say It Can Be Suggested
In emails, reports, workplace documents, and business communication, direct wording usually sounds more confident and natural.
Try:
- I would suggest that
- We could consider
- The evidence suggests
- This may indicate
- This could be an option
- It may be worth considering
- One possible approach is
- The available information suggests
- This appears to be a reasonable option
- The results indicate
- We may want to consider
Example:
Instead of:
It can be suggested that we revise the process.
Use:
I would suggest that we revise the process.
Or:
We could consider revising the process.
The second versions sound more natural in workplace communication.
Ways to Say It Can Be Suggested in an Essay
Essay writing often benefits from phrases that introduce an interpretation or argument without presenting it as absolute fact.
Useful choices include:
- One could argue that
- The evidence suggests that
- This may indicate that
- This supports the argument that
- It is reasonable to suggest that
- This appears to demonstrate that
- The evidence points to
- One possible interpretation is that
Example:
It could be argued that technology has changed how people communicate.
Ways to Say It Can Be Suggested in Research Writing
Research writing requires a distinction between what the evidence directly establishes and what the writer interprets from it.
Good alternatives include:
- The findings suggest that
- The results indicate that
- The data may suggest that
- The evidence points to
- The results appear to indicate
- These findings may indicate
- The evidence is consistent with
- The results provide support for
- The findings lend support to
- This raises the possibility that
- The available evidence suggests
Use cautious wording when the evidence does not establish a definite conclusion.
For example:
The results may indicate a relationship between the two variables.
This is more appropriately cautious than claiming:
The results prove that the two variables are directly related.
Casual Alternatives to It Can Be Suggested
More natural choices include:
- Maybe
- You could say
- It might mean
- This could mean
- This seems to show
- It looks like
- This points to
- That could suggest
- You might say
- It sounds like
For example:
You could say that the plan needs some changes.
is more conversational than:
It can be suggested that the plan needs some changes.
Choose the simpler version when you are speaking with friends or having an informal discussion.
Stronger Alternatives to It Can Be Suggested
Sometimes you want to communicate that the evidence provides fairly strong support for an idea.
Consider:
- The evidence strongly suggests
- The findings clearly indicate
- The results point to
- The evidence supports the conclusion that
- The findings provide strong support for
- The results demonstrate
- The evidence provides a clear indication that
- The available information points toward
- The findings are consistent with
Be careful with stronger wording. Use it only when the evidence actually supports that level of confidence.
For example:
The findings clearly indicate a change in consumer behavior.
is stronger than:
The findings may suggest a change in consumer behavior.
Softer Alternatives to It Can Be Suggested
If you want to avoid sounding overly certain, use cautious language.
Good options include:
- This may suggest
- This could indicate
- This appears to suggest
- This seems to indicate
- It is possible that
- One possibility is that
- This raises the possibility that
- The evidence may point to
- The results could indicate
These expressions are especially useful when discussing incomplete information or interpretations.
Example:
The change in results could indicate that the new approach was more effective.
This leaves room for other explanations.
Alternatives for Evidence-Based Writing
When your statement is based on data, research, observations, or documented findings, name the evidence directly.
| Alternative | What It Means | Tone | Best Use | Avoid If |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The evidence suggests | Evidence supports an interpretation | Formal | Research and reports | No evidence is available |
| The findings indicate | Results point toward a conclusion | Formal | Academic writing | Findings are uncertain |
| The results suggest | Results support a possibility | Neutral | Research and analysis | There are no results |
| The data points to | Data supports a direction | Professional | Reports and analysis | Data is inconclusive |
| This may indicate | Something could be a sign of another thing | Cautious | Academic writing | You need certainty |
| This supports the idea that | Evidence backs an argument | Formal | Essays and reports | Evidence is weak |
| The evidence points toward | Evidence gives reason to consider a conclusion | Formal | Research | No supporting evidence exists |
Alternatives for Presenting an Argument
When you are making an argument rather than simply reporting evidence, these phrases are useful:
- One could argue that
- It is reasonable to suggest that
- A reasonable interpretation is that
- This supports the view that
- This provides grounds for arguing that
- One possible conclusion is that
- The evidence supports the argument that
For example:
One could argue that flexible working arrangements improve employee satisfaction.
This clearly presents the statement as an argument rather than an unquestionable fact.
Alternatives for Expressing Possibility
Useful options include:
- It may be that
- It is possible that
- This could mean that
- This may indicate that
- This could suggest that
- One possibility is that
- This raises the possibility that
- It appears possible that
- This may point to
- There is a possibility that
For example:
One possibility is that the delay was caused by limited resources.
This is clear and appropriately cautious.
Alternatives for Conclusions
When you are drawing a conclusion from information already discussed, these phrases may work better:
- The evidence suggests that
- The results indicate that
- The findings support the conclusion that
- The available evidence points to
- These findings suggest that
- The information indicates that
- A reasonable conclusion is that
- The results provide support for the conclusion that
- Taken together, the findings suggest that
Example:
Taken together, the findings suggest that the revised process improved efficiency.
How to Choose the Right Alternative
The best replacement depends on what your sentence is actually doing.
- Use evidence-based wording when you have data or findings.
Try the evidence suggests or the findings indicate. - Use cautious wording when the conclusion is uncertain.
Try this may suggest or this could indicate. - Use professional wording in workplace communication.
Try we could consider or I would suggest. - Use simple wording in casual conversations.
Try you could say or this could mean. - Use conclusion wording when summarizing evidence.
Try the results suggest or a reasonable conclusion is that.
The goal is not simply to replace the phrase. The goal is to make the level of certainty and purpose clear.
It Can Be Suggested vs It May Be Suggested
It can be suggested that the changes improved efficiency.
It may be suggested that the changes improved efficiency.
For academic writing, however, a more specific phrase such as the findings suggest is often clearer because it identifies the basis for the statement.
It Can Be Suggested vs It Could Be Argued
These phrases are not always interchangeable.
It can be suggested that the policy affected consumer behavior.
It could be argued that the policy affected consumer behavior.
It Can Be Suggested vs The Evidence Suggests
The evidence suggests is usually more specific because it tells the reader where the conclusion comes from.
Compare:
It can be suggested that sales increased because of the campaign.
with:
The sales data suggests that the campaign contributed to the increase.
The second sentence gives the reader a clearer connection between the evidence and the conclusion.
How to Avoid Repeating It Can Be Suggested
Repeated use of the same phrase can make an essay or report feel mechanical.
Instead of writing:
It can be suggested that the policy was effective. It can be suggested that customer satisfaction improved. It can be suggested that costs decreased.
Try:
The evidence suggests that the policy was effective. Customer satisfaction also appears to have improved, while the available figures point to lower costs.
The revised version varies the language while making each statement more specific.
How to Make the Phrase More Direct
A useful editing technique is to identify who or what supports the suggestion.
Instead of:
It can be suggested that the project was successful.
Write:
The results suggest that the project was successful.
Instead of:
It can be suggested that employees preferred the new system.
Write:
Survey responses suggest that employees preferred the new system.
Instead of:
It can be suggested that costs increased.
Write:
The financial records indicate that costs increased.
This approach often makes professional and academic writing clearer.
Best Alternatives at a Glance
| Context | Recommended Alternative | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Academic | The findings suggest that | Clear and evidence-focused |
| Research | The evidence indicates that | Connects claim to evidence |
| Essay | It could be argued that | Introduces an argument |
| Professional | I would suggest that | Direct and natural |
| Business report | The results indicate that | Clear and objective |
| Cautious claim | This may suggest that | Signals uncertainty |
| Possible explanation | One possibility is that | Clearly presents an option |
| Casual | You could say that | Natural in conversation |
| Conclusion | A reasonable conclusion is that | Clearly signals a conclusion |
| Strong evidence | The evidence strongly suggests that | Communicates stronger support |
When to Use It Can Be Suggested
It may fit in:
- formal essays
- analytical reports
- academic discussions
- professional documents
- written arguments
- formal recommendations
However, more direct alternatives are often easier to understand.
If you know what supports the statement, name it. The data indicates, the findings suggest, and the evidence points to are usually more informative than a general passive construction.
When to Avoid It Can Be Suggested
Consider replacing the phrase when:
- the sentence sounds unnecessarily formal
- the source of the suggestion is clear
- you are writing conversationally
- the phrase appears repeatedly
- you want a more direct statement
- you need to show exactly how certain you are
For example, instead of:
It can be suggested that customer demand increased.
you might write:
Sales records indicate that customer demand increased.
The second sentence gives the reader useful information about the basis for the conclusion.
Conclusion
There are many useful alternatives to It Can Be Suggested, and the strongest choice depends on your purpose. For academic and research writing, the findings suggest, the evidence indicates, and this may suggest can provide greater precision. For arguments, it could be argued works naturally, while I would suggest or we could consider may fit professional communication. In casual writing, simpler options such as you could say often sound better. Rather than replacing the phrase mechanically, choose wording that accurately communicates your evidence, level of certainty, and intended tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a professional alternative to It Can Be Suggested?
In professional communication, try I would suggest that, we could consider, the available information suggests, or the results indicate. Choose the phrase according to whether you are making a recommendation or interpreting information.
What is the best academic alternative to It Can Be Suggested?
The findings suggest that is often a useful academic alternative because it identifies the basis for the interpretation. The evidence indicates that and the results suggest that are also appropriate when supported by relevant evidence.
Can I use It Can Be Suggested in an essay?
Yes. The phrase is grammatically acceptable in formal writing. However, it can sometimes sound vague or indirect. If your claim comes from specific evidence, a phrase such as the evidence suggests that may communicate the idea more clearly.
Is It Can Be Suggested passive voice?
Yes, It can be suggested uses a passive construction. Passive voice is not automatically incorrect, but an active or more specific construction may be clearer. For example, the results suggest identifies what supports the statement.
What is a softer alternative to It Can Be Suggested?
Try this may suggest, this could indicate, it is possible that, or one possibility is that. These expressions make the uncertainty of the statement more visible.
What is a stronger alternative to It Can Be Suggested?
When the evidence supports stronger wording, you could use the evidence strongly suggests, the findings clearly indicate, or the results provide strong support for. Avoid stronger wording when the evidence does not justify it.
Is It Can Be Suggested the same as It Could Be Argued?
Not exactly. It can be suggested usually introduces a possible interpretation, while it could be argued introduces a position or argument. They can overlap, but they serve slightly different purposes.
How can I avoid repeating It Can Be Suggested?
Replace repeated uses with more specific phrases based on the context. Try the evidence suggests, the results indicate, this may imply, one could argue, or the findings point to. Naming the evidence or argument usually makes the writing more precise.