by allusion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by allusion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you're referring to an indirect or implied reference. For example: The writer's comment was an allusion to the cultural tensions between the two countries.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Parallels with Brown's own loss of a child, which he made by allusion, seemed forced.

The Guardian - Opinion

DAVID DENBY: Yes, there were brilliant passages, but I wish he didn't work now so much in fragments and by allusion.

The New Yorker

And the point of his touch is that it usually took the place of touching — it was a way of getting to the erotic by allusion.

The New Yorker

She uses the child's naïve point of view, narrating by allusion, in order to strip her opponents of content and context.

The New Yorker

Miss Fozzard talks directly to us as if we had stopped by for tea, while Mr. Bennett's sophisticated script allows her to fill in the background by allusion, not clumsy exposition.

The New York Times

But this beguiling cyclical narrative is also enlarged by allusion: Mahjoub uses Herman Melville for an epigraph and has Ernst invoke Melville's Redburn, another seeker after his father in Liverpool over a century earlier.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

More ominously perhaps, there ran through Huntington's pages an anxiety about the will and the coherence of the West — openly stated at times, made by allusions throughout.

The New York Times - Books

He continues to do so; his new film, "She's Funny That Way" — scheduled for release in August — is anchored by allusions to Ernst Lubitsch's 1946 comedy "Cluny Brown".

The New Yorker

Interrupted by allusions to and fragments of other texts Stein wrote before or during "Ida" (like "Superstitions"), the novel turns into a repository of fleeting images and ideas its protagonist might hold.

The New York Times - Books

But in the end, his success must depend on the reader's willingness to be teased through an imaginative labyrinth by allusions, hints, puzzles, and tricks such as unascribed dialogue and undescribed location.

The Guardian - Books

And if Wagner's music has a relentless grandeur, Elton John's score for "The Lion King" is relentlessly anodyne, and relieved only rarely by allusions to African vocal music.A minor technical hitch in the "Lion King" performance seen by this reviewer generated a kind of sympathetic warmth among the audience otherwise precluded by the impressive production machine.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by allusion" to add subtlety and depth to your writing, allowing readers to draw their own connections to other works, events, or ideas. Be mindful that your audience will understand the reference.

Common error

Avoid using "by allusion" when the reference is too obscure or specific for your intended audience. Overly esoteric allusions can alienate readers and detract from your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by allusion" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating how something is expressed or communicated. It clarifies that information is conveyed indirectly rather than explicitly, as evidenced by Ludwig examples where authors describe narrating or enlarging a narrative by allusion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by allusion" serves as an adverbial modifier, denoting that something is communicated indirectly. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears in reputable sources such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, and The Guardian, predominantly within the contexts of News & Media, Wiki, and Science. When employing "by allusion", consider your audience's familiarity with the reference to ensure effective communication. Alternatives such as "indirectly" or "implicitly" may be suitable depending on the desired level of subtlety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allusively

An adverbial form directly related to the term allusion, indicating a manner full of allusions.

through implication

Similar to "implicitly", but uses a noun phrase to express the indirectness.

implicitly

Highlights the implied nature of the reference, where it is suggested but not openly stated.

indirectly

This adverb emphasizes the lack of directness in the reference.

by suggestion

Emphasizes the suggestive manner in which something is referenced.

suggestively

Focuses on the hinting or suggestive quality of the reference.

by intimation

Highlights how the references are communicated with delicate hints.

obliquely

Indicates a deviation from a direct or straightforward path in making the reference.

with a hint

Indicates that the reference is made subtly, using a slight indication.

in a roundabout way

Implies the topic is not treated directly, but approached from a tangent.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "by allusion" in my writing?

To use "by allusion" effectively, ensure the reference is recognizable to your target audience and adds a layer of meaning without being overly obscure. Consider the context and whether the allusion enhances the reader's understanding or detracts from it.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "by allusion"?

You can use alternatives like "indirectly", "implicitly", or "through implication" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "by allusion" instead of stating something directly?

Using "by allusion" is appropriate when you want to add depth and complexity to your writing, engage the reader's intellect, or create a subtle connection to another work or idea. However, direct statements are preferable for clarity and precision when the message should be easily understood.

What's the difference between making a direct reference and referencing something "by allusion"?

A direct reference explicitly names or describes something, leaving no room for interpretation. Referencing something "by allusion" involves hinting at it indirectly, relying on the reader to recognize the connection and draw their own conclusions. Allusion is often more nuanced and can add layers of meaning.