allude to

USAGE SUMMARY

"allude to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an indirect or subtle reference to something. For example: "The artist's painting seemed to allude to feelings of anxiety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They allude to nature.

The New York Times - Arts

Most allude to music of the 1960s and '70s.

The New York Times

It does not allude to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.

The Guardian - Music

You allude to conservatives once being a movement of ideas.

The New York Times

Nor do they allude to its subject, structure, or resolution.

The Guardian

They are shorter, though, and allude to trees.

The New York Times

In O'Brien's sentence, "It" seems to allude to writing itself.

The Guardian - Books

Sometimes the protagonists allude to, or become, Socrates and Sappho.

The New York Times - Arts

The sweetbreads allude to the richer, more classical Parisian menu.

The New York Times - Food

In addition, he will allude to the danger to European peace.

The New York Times

A simple rendering of a fish was sufficient to allude to Christ.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "allude to" when you want to make an indirect reference without explicitly stating the subject. It's effective for adding layers of meaning or subtlety to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "allude" when you mean "elude." "Allude" means to refer indirectly, while "elude" means to escape or avoid. For example, "The suspect eluded the police" is correct, not "The suspect alluded the police."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allude to" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate an indirect or subtle reference to something, without explicitly mentioning it. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, effectively enriching communication with layers of implication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

38%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "allude to" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to make indirect references in writing and speech. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It's particularly useful for adding layers of meaning and subtlety, and is seen frequently in News & Media and Science, and more. Remember to use it when you want to hint at something without explicitly stating it, and be careful not to confuse it with "elude." By using related phrases like "hint at" or "imply" you can add variety to your writing and better tailor your message based on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refer to

Implies a more direct or explicit connection or mention, rather than a subtle hint.

hint at

Suggests a more subtle and less direct indication than "allude to".

imply

Focuses on suggesting something without explicitly stating it.

intimate

Conveys a delicate or subtle suggestion, often in a more personal or private way.

suggest

Offers a broader range of indirect communication, from subtle hints to more obvious implications.

insinuate

Often carries a negative connotation, implying something subtly and usually with an ulterior motive.

indicate indirectly

Emphasizes the indirect nature of the reference, making it less straightforward.

make an oblique reference to

Highlights the indirect and often subtle nature of the reference.

touch upon

Implies a brief or passing mention of a topic, rather than a detailed discussion.

make a veiled reference to

Highlights the hidden or disguised nature of the reference.

FAQs

How do you use "allude to" in a sentence?

Use "allude to" when you want to make an indirect reference to something. For example, "The speaker seemed to "allude to" the company's financial troubles without mentioning them directly."

What's the difference between "allude to" and "refer to"?

"Allude to" means to make an indirect reference, while "refer to" is more direct and explicit. You "allude to" something if you hint at it, but you "refer to" it if you mention it specifically.

What can I say instead of "allude to"?

You can use alternatives like "hint at", "imply", or "suggest" depending on the context. These phrases all involve indirect communication.

Is it correct to say "allude at" instead of "allude to"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "allude" is "to". Saying "allude at" is grammatically incorrect. Always use ""allude to"" when making an indirect reference.