are alluded to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are alluded to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is indirectly mentioned or hinted at in a text or conversation. Example: "In the novel, several historical events are alluded to, enriching the narrative with deeper meaning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

SEX Sexual activities are alluded to but nothing transpires.

The New York Times

That's exactly what it celebrates, and those scenes are alluded to in the figural sculpture.

Yale University

At least two attempts made on her life are alluded to in her poems.

Britannica

Don't we have to know in what novelistic situations foreign lands are alluded to and by whom?

The New York Times

Among the most opaque is Cartwright, whose tortured psyche and violent death are alluded to throughout the book, but whose inner demons are never clearly defined.

The New York Times - Books

His present life is shadowed by regrets, only some of which are alluded to, like his actions during a long-ago period of political violence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Often, when Muslims in the U.S. reference "the community," they are alluding to fellow co-religionists.

HuffPost

It is alluded to in amendments to the United States Constitution.

The New York Times - Arts

None of this is alluded to in Proverbs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some of the toxic effects have been alluded to here.

Harvard Business Review

Heartbreak is alluded to, and the drift into lovesickness.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are alluded to", ensure that the context provides enough clues for the reader to understand what is being referenced, even if it's not explicitly stated.

Common error

Avoid using "are alluded to" when the reference is too obscure or vague. If the reader cannot reasonably infer what is being referenced, it's better to be more explicit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are alluded to" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something is indirectly referenced or suggested. As noted by Ludwig AI, it signals a subtle mention rather than an explicit statement. Examples show its use in various contexts to enrich narratives and analyses.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

23%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are alluded to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to denote that certain elements are referenced indirectly or hinted at, rather than being explicitly stated. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility in adding nuance and depth to writing. The phrase sees common usage across News & Media, Academia, and Wiki. When employing "are alluded to", ensure that the context offers sufficient clues for readers to grasp the intended reference. Alternatives such as "are referenced" or "are hinted at" may provide suitable substitutes depending on the specific nuance required. Use it sparingly to avoid vagueness, and make sure the implied reference is clear enough for your audience to understand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are referenced

Focuses on a direct but brief mention.

are hinted at

Emphasizes a subtle or indirect suggestion.

are suggested

Highlights a possible but not explicit implication.

are implied

Focuses on something understood without being openly expressed.

are indicated

Suggests a clear but indirect sign or signal.

are mentioned briefly

Emphasizes the brevity of the reference.

are touched upon

Highlights a light or superficial treatment of the topic.

are referred to indirectly

Stresses the indirectness of the reference.

are pointed to

Suggests an observation that draws attention to something.

are intimated

Emphasizes a delicate and indirect way of suggesting something.

FAQs

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

Use "are alluded to" to indicate that something is mentioned indirectly or suggested subtly, rather than being explicitly stated. For example, "The character's past traumas "are alluded to" through subtle dialogue and flashbacks".

What are some alternatives to "are alluded to"?

Some alternatives include "are referenced", "are hinted at", "are suggested", or "are implied". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to explicitly state something or say that events "are alluded to"?

It depends on the desired effect. Explicitly stating something provides clarity, while alluding to it can add mystery and encourage the reader to draw their own conclusions. Use "are alluded to" when you want to hint at something without directly revealing it.

What's the difference between "are alluded to" and "are mentioned"?

"Are mentioned" indicates a direct reference, while "are alluded to" implies an indirect or subtle reference. If something "are mentioned", it's brought up explicitly. If something "are alluded to", it's hinted at without being directly stated.