alluding to

USAGE SUMMARY

"alluding to" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate something indirectly. For example: "She made an offhand comment alluding to her desire to move to a different city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No signage alluding to that though.

Independent

Bauer was alluding to Emmerich's testicles.

The Guardian - Books

alluding to Moszkowski's plan to write a biography of him.

Princeton University

I believe Biden was alluding to this with his comment.

University of California, Berkeley

"It's his dynamic personality," Teixeira said, alluding to Sabathia.

The New York Times - Sports

"I've seen it," he said, alluding to the formula.

The New York Times

Amadou Haya Sanogo, alluding to the war in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

"That's what I've been alluding to all these years.

The New York Times - Sports

"There's nothing else," Boeheim said, alluding to the Fine controversy.

The New York Times - Sports

The Piston coach was alluding to Thomas playing more aggressively.

The New York Times - Sports

Burleigh, briefly alluding to Hlond's views, calls them "infelicities".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "alluding to" when you want to subtly reference something without directly stating it. This is useful when dealing with sensitive topics or when you want to add a layer of complexity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "alluding to" when you are making a direct, explicit statement. The purpose of this phrase is to indicate an indirect reference, so it's unsuitable for clear declarations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alluding to" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, typically indicating an indirect reference or suggestion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show it being used to add nuance and subtlety to statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

22%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "alluding to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that signifies an indirect reference or suggestion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions to imply or hint at something without direct declaration. It is commonly found in news, academic, and science contexts, with a neutral to formal register. When using "alluding to", ensure the reference is genuinely indirect and not a direct statement. Consider alternatives such as "hinting at" or "implying" to vary your writing. Remember, as the examples show, "alluding to" is an effective way to add nuance and sophistication to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implying

A more concise and direct synonym, though still indirect.

hinting at

Focuses on a subtle and indirect suggestion.

insinuating

Suggests something, typically negative, in an indirect and unpleasant way.

referring indirectly to

Emphasizes the indirect nature of the reference.

making an oblique reference to

Emphasizes the indirect and subtle nature of the reference.

suggesting without stating explicitly

Highlights the lack of directness in the suggestion.

intimating

A more formal synonym for implying or hinting.

drawing a parallel to

Highlights the act of making a comparison without stating it directly.

intimation of

More formal and emphasizes a subtle communication.

innuendo of

Suggests something negative or inappropriate in an indirect way.

FAQs

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

Use "alluding to" when you want to make an indirect reference to something. For example, "The speaker, "alluding to" recent events, called for unity."

What are some alternatives to "alluding to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "hinting at", "implying", or "referring indirectly to".

What's the difference between "alluding to" and "referring to"?

"Referring to" is a direct reference, while "alluding to" is an indirect or subtle reference. If you explicitly mention something, you're referring to it; if you're suggesting something without directly mentioning it, you're "alluding to" it.

Is it correct to use "alluding to" in formal writing?

Yes, "alluding to" is appropriate for formal writing. It adds a layer of sophistication and subtlety, making it suitable for academic papers, reports, and other professional documents.