suggest

[chrysanthemum]

Over time, and as economics develop, it has been suggested that consumer buying patterns will blend into one another and national differences may disappear.
\In France, breakfast cereals were almost unheard of, and market research suggested that market was closed to companies like Kellogg.
I read somewhere that after suggest you can use ing form of the verb or a that clause containing a subjunctive. Why is it different in the above sentences?
Thanks

[JohnParis]

Can you provide the source of this rule? I've never heard of it.
John

[birdeen's call]

suggest + subjunctive clause

and

suggest + indicative clause

differ in function.

Experts suggest that the president resign.

means that they think the president should resign.

Experts suggest that the president will resign.

means that they think he will resign.

The subjunctive introduces modality. The indicative is factual.

Note that many people do not use the subjunctive mood at all.

[TheParser]

[QUOTE=chrysanthemum;813274]
I read somewhere that after suggest you can use ing form of the verb or a that clause containing a subjunctive. Why is it different in the above sentences?


NOT A TEACHER


(1) What a great question!

(2) I have checked my books and the Web, and I should like to share some thoughts.

(3) Yes, I believe that you are absolutely right: "suggest" often uses the subjunctive

or gerund:

I suggest that your son attend/should attend college. (Our British friends might also use "attends.")

I suggest, young man, your working harder, or I shall have to fire you.

(4) But according to three reputable online dictionaries (Learner's Dictionary,

Longman Dictionary, and Macmillan's Dictionary), native speakers have no problem

in using the so-called indicative (present, past, future).

(a) Longman gives this sentence:

" It has been suggested that the manager will resign if any more players are sold."

(b) Macmillan gives this one:

"Are you seriously suggesting that she did this on purpose?"

(5) It is only my opinion that many (most?) native speakers here in the States

would have no problem with your sentences. But I do feel that maybe your

sentences could also use other (better?) verbs:

(a) As economics develop, it is expected that consumer buying patterns will blend into one another.

(b) Market research indicated that the French market was closed to American companies.

(6) I am sure that the teachers will be able to give you (and me) some excellent guidance on the proper use of "accept."