Home   |   TOPIC LIST   |   About   |   Contact

Using suggestive language

Suggestive language is a great way to subtly communicate to the reader what your opinion is on a topic without actually coming out and saying it. For instance, say you’re talking about people who support an opposing argument to the one you’re presenting in an essay. You can use some of these words to imply that what this person says isn’t necessarily true or correct:

asserts, argues, contends, claims, thinks, maintains, postulates, hypothesises

When used correctly, these words imply that this person’s argument isn’t necessarily correct. You can also use different forms of these words if you need to change the tense.

Salmovich asserts that Russian intervention ...

Opponents of this theory argue that ...

Throughout his life, Einstein maintained that ...

By using these words, we’re pointing out that whatever comes after them is an opinion or thought of the person, rather than necessarily being a widely accepted fact. You can achieve the opposite effect with more positive language too, using words like:

states, explains, shows, demonstrates, reveals

Use words like these when you’re presenting stuff said by people who support your argument. These words are, in themselves, positive - if you say that someone explains something, you’re implying that what they’re saying is probably true.

Wiltshard explained that the bones found were unidentifiable and hence ...

As stated by Chan, there was never and solid evidence to suggest a break-in.

In his latest paper, Johnson demonstrates that there is an upper limit on ...

Proper use of suggestive language can go a long way to helping you convince your reader that you’re right.

This is the end of the chapter. Click here to return to the main topic list