can imply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can imply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential meanings or suggestions that something may convey indirectly. Example: "The results of the study can imply a need for further research in this area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It can imply energy efficiency or reducing our carbon footprints".

The New York Times

Silence, in a painting, can imply many things, including contentment.

The New York Times - Arts

"'Cause this can imply the father.... ..... Mills nodded.

The New York Times - Magazine

She and we can feel the full power of what dialogue can imply.

The Guardian - Books

By changing light on a character, a cameraman can imply decision or a change of mind.

The New Yorker

Yo the ultimate, all-purpose exclamation, which, depending on inflection, can imply marvellousness or wonderment.

The New Yorker

Children — Amichai can't just say this, but can imply it — are cute little Fascists.

The New Yorker

Indeterminism does no better, for it can imply only that human decisions are completely random.

Britannica

The latter carries the biggest risk – keeping quiet can imply there is more to hide.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Lowered haematocrit - Lowered haematocrit can imply significant hemorrhage (for example, in an ectopic pregnancy).

WikiHow

Hiding can imply eating less and generally little food, in order to stay thin.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can imply", ensure the context clearly supports the implied meaning. Avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient information for the reader to make the intended connection.

Common error

Avoid using "can imply" when a direct statement is more appropriate. Overusing this phrase can make your writing seem hesitant or evasive. If the connection is clear and supported by evidence, state it directly rather than implying it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can imply" functions as a modal verb construction used to express a potential or possible suggestion. It indicates that something is not directly stated but can be understood or inferred from the given context. Ludwig examples demonstrate this across varied domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can imply" is a versatile tool for suggesting indirect meanings or potential outcomes. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse fields like news, science, and general discourse. While it's essential to ensure clarity and avoid overstating implications, "can imply" serves as a valuable way to present nuanced ideas or tentative conclusions. Related alternatives include "may suggest" and "could indicate", offering subtle variations in meaning. Understanding these nuances helps writers communicate effectively and precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may suggest

Expresses a possibility or hint, rather than a direct implication.

could indicate

Points towards a potential sign or signal, without asserting a definite link.

might entail

Focuses on a possible consequence or result.

may lead to

Highlights a potential outcome or direction.

can entail

Highlights a potential outcome or direction.

suggests that

Introduces an idea as a likely possibility or inference.

infers that

Draws a conclusion based on available evidence.

hints at

Implies a subtle or indirect suggestion.

points to

Directs attention towards a particular conclusion or possibility.

would suggest

A more conditional way of proposing an implication.

FAQs

How can I use "can imply" in a sentence?

Use "can imply" to suggest a potential meaning or outcome that isn't explicitly stated. For example, "Lowered haematocrit - Lowered haematocrit "can imply" significant hemorrhage".

What can I say instead of "can imply"?

You can use alternatives like "may suggest", "could indicate", or "might entail" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "can imply to"?

No, the correct usage is "can imply". The preposition "to" is not needed after "imply" when indicating what is being suggested. For example, "The results can imply a need for further research" is correct.

What's the difference between "can imply" and "can infer"?

"Can imply" means to suggest something indirectly, while "can infer" means to draw a conclusion based on evidence. The speaker implies, and the listener infers.