Imply

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "Imply" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when suggesting or indicating something indirectly without stating it outright. Example: "Her tone seemed to imply that she was unhappy with the decision." Alternative expressions include "suggest," "indicate," and "hint at."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So by saying I hope people will think carefully, you imply the second.

The Guardian

Recent revisions to budget forecasts imply that the U.S. government no longer needs additional revenues to control its deficits.

The Guardian

To imply that Susan Sarandon, who has dedicated much of her life to human-rights activism, objects to the feminist label because she is "right-wing" is disingenuous.

The Guardian - Opinion

Predictions of 20%-30 20%-30ompliance imply they will have ample opportunity to denounce a shambles.

The Guardian - Opinion

The identity of the teams and the nature of the result seem to imply that Rangers had somehow come through an ordeal full of terror.

The Guardian - Sport

I've spent hours learning this lately, catapulted by search engines to the dank recesses of parenting forums that exist solely to imply I'm guilty of child abuse because I don't know the best sort of blanket to put in a pram yet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The legal term does not imply anything further about whether Israel's occupation is "legal" or "illegal", or good or bad.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Responding to a request for further information, chief financial officer Susan Panuccio says the company is incurring and paying substantial tax on its operations in Australia, noting the high categorisation 'does not imply that we are not paying the correct amount of tax'," Davidson wrote.

The Guardian

"This is not to imply that the violence was trivialised or glamorised or even condoned.

The Guardian

Towers imply civic leadership weak in the face of commercial pressure.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Australian Press Council ruled on Friday that the headline and other material on the front page "collectively imply that a high proportion of DSP recipients are 'slackers' and should not be receiving DSP".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "imply" when you want to suggest something indirectly, avoiding a direct statement. Consider whether a more direct statement would be clearer or more appropriate.

Common error

A common mistake is using "imply" when you mean "infer". "Imply" means to suggest something indirectly, while "infer" means to draw a conclusion from evidence. The speaker/writer implies, and the listener/reader infers.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the word "imply" is as a verb. It signifies suggesting something indirectly rather than stating it explicitly. As Ludwig AI shows, it commonly appears in contexts where inferences are being drawn or subtle suggestions are made.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "imply" serves as a valuable tool for indirect communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, "imply" is grammatically correct and very commonly used, functioning primarily as a verb to suggest something without stating it directly. Its frequent appearance in news, business, and scientific contexts underscores its utility in formal communication. While alternatives such as "suggest" and "indicate" offer similar meanings, "imply" specifically highlights the act of hinting or suggesting a conclusion. Therefore, understanding its proper use—distinct from "infer"—is crucial for precise and effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggest

Focuses on a gentle, indirect hint or indication.

indicate

Highlights a more direct, though not explicit, pointing out of something.

hint at

Emphasizes a subtle and often intentional suggestion.

insinuate

Implies a negative or unpleasant suggestion indirectly.

allude to

Refers to something indirectly or vaguely.

connote

Stresses the associated or secondary meaning of a word or phrase.

entail

Focuses on the necessary consequence or logical outcome.

point to

Directs attention to something as evidence or a sign.

intimate

Indicates a delicate or private suggestion.

lead to believe

Creates an impression or prompts a certain conclusion.

FAQs

How do you use "imply" in a sentence?

Use "imply" when you want to suggest something indirectly, rather than stating it explicitly. For example, "His silence seemed to imply that he disagreed with the proposal."

What is the difference between "imply" and "infer"?

"Imply" means to suggest something indirectly, while "infer" means to deduce or conclude something from evidence. The speaker or writer implies, and the listener or reader infers.

What can I say instead of "imply"?

Alternatives include "suggest", "indicate", "hint at", or "insinuate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "are you implying that...?"

Yes, it is grammatically correct. For example, "Are you implying that I'm not telling the truth?" This phrasing questions whether someone is indirectly suggesting something, often something potentially accusatory or sensitive.