# suggesting

/səˈdʒɛstɪŋ/ (US) · /sədʒˈɛstɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/suggesting
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. proposing an idea

verb · CEFR A2

giving an idea or a plan for someone to consider.

For teachers: proposing a plan, idea, or action for consideration. This form often functions as the main verb in continuous tenses or as a gerund.

- I am not suggesting that we cancel the party, just that we move it indoors.
- The consultant is suggesting a complete overhaul of the current safety protocols to prevent future accidents.

### 2. indicating something

verb · CEFR B2

showing that something is likely to be true without stating it directly.

For teachers: indicating a fact or possibility indirectly; providing evidence that leads to a specific conclusion.

- The dark clouds are suggesting that a storm is coming soon.
- The initial data is suggesting a significant correlation between sleep quality and cognitive performance in older adults.

### 3. the act of making a suggestion

noun · CEFR B1

the act of telling someone your ideas or plans.

For teachers: the gerundial act of proposing an idea or hypothesis.

- The mere suggesting of a new rule caused a lot of an argument in the office.
- His constant suggesting of alternative routes eventually irritated the driver, who preferred to follow the GPS.

## Examples

- I am suggesting that we take a break now.
- The doctor is suggesting a change in diet to help improve your energy levels throughout the day.
- While the data is not yet conclusive, the researchers are suggesting a strong correlation between sleep quality and cognitive performance in older adults.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.