a clear implication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear implication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something is obviously suggested or inferred from a statement or situation. Example: "The report presents a clear implication that further research is needed to understand the issue fully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

If Niños were expected to get more common there might be a clear implication.

The Economist

Dr. O'Brien said it was a predictable adaptation, with a clear implication for the human AIDS epidemic.

The New York Times - Science

There's a clear implication of what the ideal modern home should look like – of a sensible, masculine lifestyle.

The Guardian - Arts

There is a clear implication here: Nobody could really care very much about any of these things, except insofar as it allows them to appear virtuous.

The New York Times - Magazine

That has a clear implication for our fossil fuel consumption, meaning that humans cannot burn all of the coal, oil and gas reserves that countries and companies possess.

The Guardian

He added: "A clear implication from the governor's action is that there won't be any action until after the gubernatorial election in 2005.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

There's a pretty clear implication that most people's luck actually turns out to be pretty rotten, which underlines one of Anderson's recurring themes: British life always comes with the sour tang of disappointment.

The Guardian - Film

In the film's most singular passage, Parton plays a "painted angel" —  a prostitute, is the pretty clear implication —  a dazzled little Dolly meets while singing on the street and whose flashy style she vows one day to make her own.

Los Angeles Times

On the eve of a deal, the clear implication was that Gingrich was going to support it.

The Washington Post

If he's so tough and smart, how did he let this happen?" McCaskill doesn't attempt an answer; the clear implication is that Administration fecklessness is to blame.

The New Yorker

"The clear implication: A broader remedy is required to truly restore competition".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a clear implication", ensure that the implication is genuinely evident from the context and not a subjective interpretation. Provide enough supporting information to make the implication readily apparent to the reader.

Common error

Avoid presenting a weakly supported idea as "a clear implication". If the connection between the presented information and the purported implication requires a significant leap of logic, it is likely not a clear implication but rather a potential interpretation that needs more support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear implication" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct. It identifies a consequence or conclusion that is easily understood from a given context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear implication" is a noun phrase used to denote an obvious conclusion or consequence derived from a given situation or statement. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usefulness in expressing readily apparent inferences. It is used in both academic and news media contexts, although its usage is not very frequent. Remember to ensure that the implication is genuinely clear from the context and not based on subjective interpretation. If greater clarity is needed, consider a more direct expression to avoid any ambiguity. Related phrases include "an obvious inference" and "a plain suggestion", offering similar ways to convey an evident conclusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an obvious inference

Replaces "implication" with "inference", emphasizing the act of drawing a conclusion.

a plain suggestion

Substitutes "implication" with "suggestion", highlighting the act of hinting at something.

an evident consequence

Focuses on the outcome that logically follows from something.

an unmistakable conclusion

Emphasizes the certainty and clarity of the deduction.

a straightforward indication

Replaces "implication" with "indication", stressing the pointing-out aspect.

a distinct undertone

Highlights a subtle but noticeable underlying message.

a transparent meaning

Focuses on the ease with which the meaning can be understood.

an implicit message

Emphasizes that the message is conveyed indirectly, but is still easily understood.

a readily apparent inference

Similar to "obvious inference", but stresses the ease of noticing the inference.

a palpable indication

Focuses on how easily perceived is that something is true.

FAQs

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

Use "a clear implication" to point out an obvious conclusion that can be drawn from a situation or statement. For example, "The company's declining profits have "a clear implication": cost-cutting measures are likely to be implemented".

What are some alternatives to saying "a clear implication"?

You can use alternatives like "an obvious inference", "a plain suggestion", or "an evident consequence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be explicit rather than rely on "a clear implication"?

While "a clear implication" can be effective, explicitness is often preferable in formal or technical writing to avoid ambiguity. Relying solely on implication may leave room for misinterpretation. Using a direct statement, like "a straightforward indication", might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a clear implication" and "a subtle hint"?

"A clear implication" suggests that the conclusion is relatively obvious and easily drawn, while "a subtle hint" implies that the suggestion is less direct and requires more careful attention to discern. Using something like "a distinct undertone" might express such difference.