by implication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by implication" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to an indirect suggestion or hint. For example, "His comments indicated that he was upset, by implication that he had been wronged in some way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By implication, so is he.

The New Yorker

Forgive and, by implication, forget.

The New Yorker

By implication, merely feminine.

The New Yorker

By implication, Miami played the wrong way.

The New York Times - Sports

By implication, that includes municipal bonds.

The New York Times

And, by implication, ruining it.

The Guardian

You're almost guilty by implication.

The Guardian

Thus, by implication, Jesus is also Judas.

The New York Times - Arts

It could never, by implication, replace radio.

The Guardian

The Russians, by implication, have not.

The New York Times

Everything was understood tacitly, by implication.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by implication", ensure that the implied meaning is reasonably clear from the context. Avoid relying on implications that may be misinterpreted or missed by the reader.

Common error

Avoid assuming your reader will automatically understand complex or subtle implications. Always provide sufficient context to ensure the implied meaning is readily accessible, otherwise your message will be misunderstood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by implication" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something is being suggested or understood indirectly. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts. Ludwig AI also confirmed the grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Encyclopedias

3%

Film

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by implication" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to indicate that something is suggested or understood indirectly, rather than being explicitly stated. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in news and media sources, as shown by Ludwig, it serves to add nuance and subtlety to writing. When using the expression, ensure the implied meaning is clear from the surrounding context, and avoid over-reliance on readers to grasp complex or subtle implications. Alternatives such as "implicitly" or "by inference" may be considered based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implicitly

Single-word adverb that directly conveys the meaning of something being understood without being expressed.

indirectly suggested

Highlights the indirect nature of the suggestion.

by inference

Focuses on the process of drawing a conclusion from evidence.

tacitly

Emphasizes unspoken agreement or understanding.

suggested without being explicitly stated

Expands on the idea of something being conveyed without direct expression.

by tacit agreement

Highlights the agreement aspect of the implicit understanding.

through insinuation

Indicates a subtle and often negative way of suggesting something.

by suggestion

A more general way of saying something is hinted at.

in effect

Focuses on the practical consequence or result.

understood though not expressed

A longer alternative that emphasizes the lack of explicit communication.

FAQs

How do you use "by implication" in a sentence?

The phrase "by implication" indicates something is suggested or understood without being directly stated. For example, "His silence suggested, "by implication", that he disagreed with the proposal."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "by implication"?

You can use alternatives like "implicitly", "indirectly suggested", or "by inference" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be direct or use "by implication" in writing?

Whether to be direct or use "by implication" depends on your audience and purpose. Direct language is clearer for straightforward communication, while implication can add subtlety and nuance. Overuse of implication can lead to confusion.

What's the difference between "by implication" and "explicitly"?

"By implication" means something is suggested or understood indirectly, while "explicitly" means something is stated clearly and directly. One is indirect, the other is direct.