a loaded sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a loaded sentence" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a sentence that contains an implicit bias or emotional charge, often influencing the reader's perception. Example: "The politician's statement was a loaded sentence, designed to sway public opinion rather than present factual information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Now there's a loaded sentence.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Perhaps missing from his speech were a few emotionally loaded sentences to the Russian people.

Huffington Post

And Hannibal is always uttering heavily loaded sentences such as: "I have no interest in understanding sheep, only eating them".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mahmoud was jailed for six and a half years in July as one of two gang members sentenced after hiding a loaded Skorpion machine gun and ammunition in a garden in Enfield, north London, the previous July.

The Guardian

Mahmoud, who was of Somali descent, was jailed for six and a half years in July as one of two gang members sentenced after hiding a loaded Skorpion machine gun and ammunition in a garden in Enfield, north London, the previous July.

The Guardian

As that deputy, John Feinblatt, addressed the group, he was challenged by several defense lawyers who thought the legislation — which mandated a minimum three-and-a-half-year sentence for illegal possession of a loaded weapon — was unfair.

The New York Times - Sports

In 2011, the latest year for which sentencing statistics are available, fewer than half the defendants who had been arrested for illegal possession of a loaded gun in New York City received a state prison sentence, according to an analysis of criminal justice statistics by the mayor's office.

The New York Times

Executive producer G-Man (real name Jason Phillips), the writer of '21 Seconds', was sentenced in June 2003 for possession of a loaded handgun.

The Guardian - Music

It's also the maximum sentence for a racially aggravated assault, carrying a loaded firearm in a public place or incest by an adult with a girl under the age of 13.

Vice

Turner thought she should have received a harsher sentence, and commented "This was a lying-in-wait conspiracy to murder me, a presidential appointee, and for a long time I slept with a loaded gun beside my bed".

Wikipedia

Burress would face a mandatory three-and-a-half-year prison sentence if he were convicted of illegal possession of a loaded weapon, but he could end up facing a lesser charge whose penalty is considerably less severe.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a loaded sentence" when you want to emphasize that a statement carries more than its literal meaning, implying hidden agendas, emotional weight, or potential for controversy. This makes your writing more precise when discussing rhetoric or communication.

Common error

Avoid using "a loaded sentence" merely to describe a long or complex sentence. This phrase specifically denotes a sentence designed to influence or manipulate through its implicit content, not its length or complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a loaded sentence" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "loaded" modifies the noun "sentence". The phrase typically describes a statement that is not neutral, and it carries implicit meanings, emotional weight, or potential bias, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a loaded sentence" describes a statement carrying implicit meanings, emotional weight, or bias. Ludwig's examples show its frequent use in news and media to critically analyze potentially manipulative or biased statements. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. When using the phrase, consider its neutral register, its function as a critical descriptor, and common errors like mistaking complex sentences for intentionally loaded ones. Alternatives include ""an emotionally charged statement"" or ""a biased remark"", offering nuances to capture specific intentions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remark loaded with implications

Synonymous replacement, keeping the structure but changing 'sentence' to 'remark'

an emotionally charged statement

Replaces 'loaded' with a more explicit description of the emotional content.

a statement carrying hidden meanings

Directly points out the concealed messages within the statement.

a statement fraught with implications

Emphasizes the potential consequences and hidden meanings within the sentence.

a remark packed with hidden meanings

Uses 'packed' to emphasize the density of concealed information.

a question with hidden implications

Focuses on the interrogative form while highlighting the concealed meanings.

a sentence carrying a subtext

Highlights the existence of an underlying message.

a biased remark

Highlights the prejudice or inclination present in the sentence.

a sentence with underlying assumptions

Focuses on the presuppositions that inform the sentence.

an emotionally manipulative sentence

Accentuates the intent to influence or control emotions through the phrasing.

FAQs

What does "a loaded sentence" mean?

The term "a loaded sentence" refers to a statement that contains an implicit bias, hidden meaning, or emotional charge, influencing the recipient's perception beyond the literal words used.

How can I identify "a loaded sentence" in writing or speech?

Look for statements that evoke strong emotional reactions, contain implicit assumptions, or seem designed to persuade rather than inform objectively. Consider the context and the speaker's potential motives.

What can I say instead of "a loaded sentence"?

You can use alternatives like "an emotionally charged statement", "a statement fraught with implications", or "a biased remark" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is using "a loaded sentence" always a negative thing?

Not necessarily. While often used to describe manipulative or misleading language, "a loaded sentence" can also be used intentionally to add depth, emotion, or emphasis to communication, depending on the context and purpose.