By implication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "By implication" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is suggested or inferred rather than explicitly stated. Example: "The report was critical of the management, and by implication, it suggested that changes were necessary for improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

By implication, so is he.

The New Yorker

By implication, merely feminine.

The New Yorker

By implication, Miami played the wrong way.

The New York Times - Sports

By implication, that includes municipal bonds.

The New York Times

By implication the solution resides in polymorphous perverse sex.

The Guardian - Film

By implication, though, Mr. Zapatero has raised broader questions.

The New York Times

By implication, he was saying the Mets were.

The New York Times - Sports

By implication, they embroil Mrs Zia's son, Tarique Rahman.

The Economist

By implication, arts are a pastime for idle moments, whose unproductive students take useless degrees.

The Guardian - Opinion

By implication, the Americans were not only killing but blinking people away.

The New Yorker

"By implication...the ideal of the equality of all opinions emerges.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by implication", ensure the implied meaning is clear from the context to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "by implication" when clear and direct communication is essential. Overuse can lead to ambiguity and confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by implication" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause, indicating that something is being suggested or understood without being explicitly stated. Ludwig AI's analysis supports its usage in conveying indirect meanings, evident in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Opinion

15%

Film

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Books

2%

Lifestyle

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by implication" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to indicate an indirect suggestion or inference. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and wide applicability, especially in contexts such as news reporting, opinion pieces, and film analysis. While it is most often found in neutral registers, it is important to ensure clarity and avoid over-reliance on implication in situations where direct communication is necessary. Related phrases like "by inference" and "implicitly" offer similar nuances for expressing indirect meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

By inference

Focuses on the act of drawing a conclusion from evidence.

Implicitly

Highlights the state of being implied or understood without direct expression.

Indirectly

Emphasizes the lack of a direct or straightforward connection.

By suggestion

Emphasizes that the meaning is hinted at rather than stated outright.

In effect

Highlights the practical consequence or result, even if not explicitly stated.

In essence

Refers to the core meaning or fundamental nature of something, which may be implied.

By association

Indicates a connection made through shared characteristics or context.

By extension

Suggests that a concept is applicable in a broader sense.

Understood as

Focuses on how something is generally perceived or interpreted.

It follows that

Draws a logical conclusion based on previous statements or evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "by implication" in a sentence?

Use "by implication" to suggest something indirectly, rather than stating it explicitly. For example, "His silence was an admission of guilt, "by implication"."

What are some alternatives to "by implication"?

You can use phrases like "by inference", "implicitly", or "indirectly" as alternatives to "by implication", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to state something directly or "by implication"?

The best approach depends on the context. Direct statements are clearer, but "by implication" can be useful when subtlety or tact is required. If you want to soften or avoid a direct statement, use ""by implication"".

What does "by implication" mean?

"By implication" means that something is understood or suggested without being explicitly stated. It relies on the listener or reader to infer the meaning.