Implied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Implied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is suggested or understood without being directly stated. Example: "The implied meaning of her words was that she was unhappy with the decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The same of course is also true of the Labour-SNP bloc of seats: even if Nicola Sturgeon's party were to win in 30-40 constituencies, and not in the 50 or more implied in the polls, most of those seats would be staying with Labour.

The Guardian

"At a stroke, this would make the implied cuts for non-protected departments and welfare slightly more plausible (if still very severe), mark an 'end to austerity' by the middle of the parliament and soften (at the margins) the pressure on the Bank to keep monetary policy on the floor".

The Guardian

Mr Stan Crowther, Labour MP for Rotherham and former mayor of the town, said he was unhappy with the socialist republic slogan because it wrongly implied South Yorkshire could act independently of decisions at Westminster.

The Guardian

In the outrage of their opponents, meanwhile, there are implied visions of Nazi bonfires and claims of a heart-stopping offence to age-old ideas about knowledge, wisdom and information.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some suggested that Putin's rhetoric about a "fifth column" inside Russia had created an atmosphere of hatred that may have been seized on by radical nationalists, while others implied Putin may have ordered the killing.

The Guardian

Patrick Marber said that he liked the title Closer, which he took from a Joy Division album, because it implied motion.

The Guardian

She has repeatedly implied that President Obama is a terrorist and/or "pals around" with terrorists.

The Guardian - Opinion

It has been implied that the new technologies of digital and Online are a commercial distraction from our core purpose.

The Guardian

Weale and McCafferty remained concerned about the longer-term inflationary outlook, but, "noted the risk that low inflation might persist for longer than the temporary factors implied and concluded that this risk would be increased by an increase in Bank Rate at the current juncture".

The Guardian - Business

Remarkably, in 1959, Liberace won a lawsuit against the Daily Mirror after it implied he was what was then called a "homosexualist".

The Guardian - Film

In its annual report, the Basel-based Bank for International Settlements (BIS) states: "Output is about 12.5% below the path implied by a continuation of the pre-crisis trend in the United States and 18.5% in the United Kingdom".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal or legal writing, ensure that the context provides enough clues so that the "Implied" meaning cannot be easily misinterpreted.

Common error

Avoid using "Implied" when you actually mean the conclusion drawn by the listener. Remember that a speaker or text "implies", while a listener or reader "infers". If you are describing the reader's action, use "inferred" instead.

Linguistic Context

As demonstrated in Ludwig, the word "Implied" primarily functions as an adjective or the past participle of the verb 'imply'. It is used to qualify nouns (e.g., "implied threat") or to complete passive verbal constructions (e.g., "it was implied"). It signifies that a meaning is contained within a statement without being overtly expressed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "Implied" is a versatile and highly authoritative term used to describe meanings that exist between the lines. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a cornerstone of professional and journalistic writing, appearing frequently in top-tier publications to delineate between literal text and intended subtext. While it is often interchangeable with "suggested", its specific strength lies in describing logical or situational consequences that are understood by all parties involved. Writers should be careful to distinguish it from its counterpart "inferred" to maintain precise semantic standards in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggested

Functions as a direct and slightly less formal synonym for the main query

implicit

Functions as a pure adjective rather than a past participle, describing inherent qualities

inferred

Shifts the focus from the speaker's suggestion to the listener's interpretation

hinted at

Uses a phrasal verb structure to indicate a more subtle or indirect suggestion

tacit

Often refers to agreements or understandings that are understood without being voiced

unspoken

Emphasizes the lack of verbalization despite a clear mutual understanding

alluded to

Indicates an indirect reference to something rather than an internal meaning

connoted

Specifically refers to the secondary meanings or emotional associations of a word

underlying

Focuses on a meaning that exists beneath the surface of a literal statement

insinuated

Carries a more manipulative or negative nuance regarding the suggestion being made

FAQs

How to use "Implied" in a sentence?

You can use it as an adjective before a noun, such as "the "Implied" meaning was clear", or as a past participle in a passive construction like "it was "Implied" that we should leave".

What is the difference between "Implied" and "inferred"?

A statement or speaker provides an "Implied" message, whereas the person receiving that message makes an "inferred" conclusion. They are two sides of the same communication act.

What can I say instead of "Implied"?

Depending on the level of subtlety, you can use alternatives like "suggested", "implicit" or "hinted at".

Is "Implied" formal enough for business reports?

Yes, it is perfectly appropriate. In professional contexts, you might also consider "tacit" for unvoiced agreements or "underlying" for foundational but unstated principles.