alluded to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alluded to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something was mentioned or referenced in a vague or indirect way. For example, "She alluded to a possible future together without being too explicit about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

And then he alluded to his scandal.

The New York Times

The President never alluded to any change.

The New Yorker

Twice, he alluded to his religious convictions.

The New York Times - Sports

Things are suggested, alluded to, often nebulously.

The New Yorker

Another speaker alluded to the moon landings.

The Guardian

He alluded to a tendency to nap.

The New York Times

You alluded to difficulties with implementation.

The Guardian - Business

Mr. Lieberman himself alluded to that confluence.

The New York Times

Mr. Reid alluded to both the stakes, and the difficulties.

The New York Times

And some detainees have alluded to new secret interrogation centers.

The New York Times

Ms. Dolan alluded to that fact in her statement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of your audience; ensure they have enough context to understand what you are alluding to. Overly obscure allusions can confuse readers.

Common error

Avoid mistaking "alluded to" (indirectly referenced) with "illusion" (a false perception). Using "illusion" when you mean "allusion" can significantly alter the meaning of your sentence and mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alluded to" functions as a past participle phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase (e.g., "was alluded to") or as a reduced relative clause modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English writing. For instance, "The problem was alluded to but never fully explained."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "alluded to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used past participle construction that signifies an indirect reference or suggestion. Ludwig AI affirms its validity in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing, reflecting a neutral to professional register. To enhance your writing, use "alluded to" when subtlety is desired, but ensure sufficient context for your audience. Avoid confusing it with "illusion", and remember that "to" is the correct preposition. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "alluded to" into your writing for added depth and sophistication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implied

Focuses on the suggestion being understood without direct statement.

hinted at

Suggests a more subtle and less direct indication.

suggested

Offers a broader term for bringing something to mind indirectly.

intimated

Conveys a delicate and subtle communication.

referred to

Implies a direct mention rather than an indirect suggestion.

dropped a hint about

Implies a deliberate but subtle suggestion.

mentioned indirectly

Emphasizes the lack of directness in the reference.

touched upon

Indicates a brief and often superficial mention.

made reference to

A more formal way of saying something was mentioned.

gave a nod to

Suggests a brief and often symbolic acknowledgment.

FAQs

How can I use "alluded to" in a sentence?

Use "alluded to" to indicate that something was mentioned indirectly or hinted at. For example, "The speaker "alluded to" the company's financial troubles without providing specific details."

What's the difference between "referred to" and "alluded to"?

"Referred to" implies a direct mention, while "alluded to" suggests a more indirect or subtle reference. The phrase "referred to" is more explicit than "alluded to".

What are some alternatives to using "alluded to"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "hinted at", "implied", or "suggested" as alternatives to "alluded to".

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

No, the correct preposition to use with "alluded" is "to". "Alluded at" is grammatically incorrect. Always use ""alluded to"".