an implicit suggestion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an implicit suggestion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a suggestion that is not directly stated but is understood or implied. Example: "The author's tone conveyed an implicit suggestion that change was necessary for progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

There was an implicit suggestion that they all ask what they can do for their city.

The New York Times

Moreover, fee pressure may be perceived by auditors, based on previous experience, as an implicit suggestion to improve audit efficiency.

Advances in Accounting

In my view, substantial risks to the UK's economy remain, bringing into question an implicit suggestion that animal spirits will suddenly rise in the years ahead.

The Guardian

It was a gracious ceremony, but there was an implicit suggestion that because of his toughness on crime Mr. Kennedy would have supported the Bush military tribunals.

The New York Times

This sentence contains an implicit suggestion that Nick Clegg, who often talks about the things he cannot do because he does not have a majority, is a bit of a moaner.

The Guardian

There is an implicit suggestion here that mental health problems have to be viewed as being equivalent to physical illnesses if they are to warrant society's care and funding.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Direction and timing in Pretty Woman were so light and assured that it was possible to watch this story of a sex worker (Roberts) who falls in love with a millionaire client (Richard Gere) and overlook its implicit suggestion that a career in prostitution might be a viable route to true love.

The Guardian - Film

And there was also the implicit suggestion that a woman wouldn't want to marry a man unless he could display a certain capability as a lover.

The New York Times

The mayor strenuously denied Mr. Owens' charge of a double standard, and its implicit suggestion of racism against people from the Caribbean.

The New York Times

This offers access to advanced Sun technologies and consultancy at a discounted rate, with the implicit suggestion that if the startup gets bigger they may well want to buy more from Sun down the track.

TechCrunch

Why is it acceptable to dissect Newt Gingrich's fanciful plans for making the Moon a 51st state but not his implicit suggestion that Pope John Paul II was responsible, via divine intervention, for the fall of communism?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an implicit suggestion" when you want to convey that an idea or advice is communicated indirectly, without being explicitly stated. It's effective in scenarios where subtlety is preferred over directness.

Common error

Avoid using "an implicit suggestion" when the suggestion is already quite clear. Overusing this phrase can make your writing seem unnecessarily verbose or condescending, as it implies a level of subtlety that may not exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an implicit suggestion" functions as a noun phrase, where "implicit" modifies the noun "suggestion". It describes a recommendation or piece of advice that is not directly expressed but understood from the context, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

20%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an implicit suggestion" describes a subtle, indirect recommendation or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and effectively communicates an unspoken intention. While not overly common, it frequently appears in news and media and scientific contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "a subtle implication" or "an unspoken hint". When using this phrase, ensure the subtlety is appropriate for the context, avoiding overuse that can undermine your writing's clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an understood implication

Emphasizes that the implication is mutually understood without needing explicit statement.

a subtle implication

Replaces "suggestion" with "implication", focusing on the indirect nature of the message.

an unspoken hint

Uses "hint" instead of "suggestion", emphasizing the subtlety and lack of explicit communication.

an indirect recommendation

Substitutes "suggestion" with "recommendation", highlighting the implied endorsement or advice.

a tacit proposal

Replaces "implicit" with "tacit", indicating unspoken agreement or understanding.

a concealed recommendation

Highlights the hidden nature of the recommendation, suggesting it's not openly expressed.

a veiled insinuation

Uses "insinuation", implying a more subtle and often negative undertone compared to a suggestion.

a delicate prodding

Highlights the gentle encouragement aspect of the implicit communication

a roundabout proposal

Emphasizes that the proposal has been expressed in an indirect manner

a coded message

Emphasizes that the real message can be understood if you have the key

FAQs

What does "an implicit suggestion" mean?

The phrase "an implicit suggestion" refers to a suggestion that is not directly stated but is understood or implied. It's a subtle way of conveying an idea or advice.

How is "an implicit suggestion" different from an explicit one?

An explicit suggestion is stated clearly and directly, while "an implicit suggestion" is conveyed indirectly, requiring the receiver to infer the meaning.

What can I say instead of "an implicit suggestion"?

You can use alternatives like "a subtle implication", "an unspoken hint", or "an indirect recommendation" depending on the context.

Is it better to use an implicit or explicit suggestion?

It depends on the context. Implicit suggestions are useful when you want to be tactful or avoid direct confrontation, while explicit suggestions are better when clarity and directness are needed.