alludes to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alludes to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that an idea or situation has been indirectly referenced or hinted at without being explicitly stated. For example, "The author's comment alludes to a deeper issue of inequality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He often alludes to Iraq, albeit briefly.

The New York Times

Yet it alludes to a related natural curiosity.

The Economist

The expression alludes to a horse allowed to run unconstrained.

The New York Times

The title of "The Charioteer" alludes to Renault's beloved Plato.

The New Yorker

It also alludes to his ethical and logical doctrines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It makes you upset if anyone even alludes to it.

The New Yorker

Nonetheless, Mr. Shen alludes to art with a purpose.

The New York Times - Arts

And the business reasons Nogales alludes to are significant.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The author alludes to ways how this could be achieved.

The Guardian

Thomson also alludes to "the flagrant emptiness of the material".

The New York Times

Kozinski alludes to the Californian ruling in his dissent.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "alludes to" when you want to subtly reference something without explicitly stating it. This adds a layer of sophistication to your writing and engages the reader to make the connection themselves.

Common error

Avoid using "alludes to" when you actually mean "illusion". "Allude" means to indirectly reference something, while "illusion" refers to a deceptive appearance or false impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alludes to" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to indicate that someone or something makes an indirect reference or suggestion. As seen in Ludwig, it implies a connection without explicitly stating it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

22%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "alludes to" is a versatile verb phrase used to make indirect references or subtle suggestions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific writing, and encyclopedic content. While alternatives like "hints at" or "implies" exist, "alludes to" specifically denotes a connection that is not explicitly stated, adding sophistication to your writing. Remember to avoid confusing it with "illusion" and ensure its correct usage with the preposition "to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hints at

Implies a more subtle or indirect suggestion than "alludes to".

refers indirectly to

More explicitly states the act of referencing, adding clarity.

suggests

Broader term for conveying an idea; less specific about the indirectness.

implies

Focuses on the idea being conveyed without direct statement.

intimates

Suggests a delicate or subtle hint.

points towards

Indicates a direction or connection without explicitly stating it.

makes reference to

Formally acknowledges a connection without detailing it.

mentions indirectly

Highlights that the mention is not direct or explicit.

gives the impression of

Focuses on the perceived feeling or idea rather than a direct reference.

bears upon

A more formal way to indicate relevance or connection, often subtly.

FAQs

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

Use "alludes to" to indicate an indirect reference or subtle mention. For example, "The author's writing "alludes to" historical events without explicitly naming them".

What are some alternatives to "alludes to"?

You can use phrases like "hints at", "suggests", or "implies" as alternatives to "alludes to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

No, the correct preposition to use with "alludes" is "to". Saying "alludes at" is grammatically incorrect.

What is the difference between "alludes to" and "refers to"?

"Alludes to" implies an indirect or subtle reference, while "refers to" indicates a direct and explicit mention. Use "alludes to" when the connection is not immediately obvious.