carry connotations

USAGE SUMMARY

"carry connotations" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that a certain word or phrase brings with it a certain inherent meaning or feeling. For example, "The word 'exorbitant' carries connotations of being excessively expensive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Names carry connotations - ones that can be overcome, but connotations all the same.

The Guardian - Opinion

Alternative high schools often carry connotations of a refuge for students who have academic, social or emotional problems.

The New York Times

Words carry connotations; because of its larcenous, racy origin, this verb lugs along an aura of slyly phony enthusiasm.

The New York Times - Magazine

Chicagoans still like to refer to it as the "city of neighbourhoods," even though that description can carry connotations of segregation by race, ethnicity, and social class.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet the work echoes a tradition in which numbers and geometry carry connotations other than the strictly rational and quantitative values they hold in the modern West.

The New York Times - Arts

And it's a term that matters, he said: Americans have high regard for the importance of public education, and private schools carry connotations of exclusivity that don't apply to charters.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Spirituality often carries connotations that set it apart from piety.

The New York Times

Nourishment carries connotations, from infancy, that make stopping it feel different from rejecting medical machinery.

The New York Times - Health

In the late 1970s, Scorsese's name carried connotations of egotism, excess and failure.

The Guardian - Film

When applied as a critical term, he adds, it carried "connotations of a lean, fit republicanism".

The Guardian - Books

Even the name given to the guerrillas, "bushwhackers," carried connotations of a different kind of fighting — attacks from ambush.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "carry connotations" to precisely highlight the implicit meanings and associations a word or phrase evokes, adding depth and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Be aware that words can have subtle, unintended connotations. Check your writing to ensure the associations you evoke align with your intended meaning. What you are not saying might matter more than what you are saying, ensure that negative or unwanted associations are avoided.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "carry connotations" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating that a particular word or concept inherently implies or suggests certain associations or meanings. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "carry connotations" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to articulate the inherent implications of words or concepts. As Ludwig AI pointed out, this expression is well-regarded and clear for the readers. Its prevalence across diverse sources—from academic papers and encyclopedias to news reports and wikis—underscores its adaptability and effectiveness in various communication settings. Recognizing the associations a term evokes enriches understanding and ensures your writing resonates precisely with the intended audience. Related phrases such as "imply associations" and "evoke associations" offer alternative ways to express similar meanings. Being mindful of potential unintended connotations is essential for effective and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imply associations

Focuses on the act of suggesting or indicating something indirectly.

suggest implications

Highlights the potential consequences or effects that a word might bring to mind.

evoke associations

Emphasizes the act of bringing forth specific feelings or memories.

have undertones

Refers to subtle, underlying qualities or meanings.

suggest a meaning

Directly points to the meaning a word or phrase might indicate.

imply a sense of

Indicates a feeling or impression conveyed indirectly.

are suggestive of

Highlights the quality of prompting certain thoughts or ideas.

are redolent of

Implies a strong fragrance or association with something.

intimate associations

Suggests close or personal connections.

bear implications

Highlights how something might inherently lead to certain outcomes.

FAQs

How to use "carry connotations" in a sentence?

You can use "carry connotations" to describe how certain words or phrases evoke specific feelings or associations, for example, "The term 'luxury' "carries connotations" of wealth and exclusivity".

What can I say instead of "carry connotations"?

Alternatives to "carry connotations" include "imply associations", "suggest implications", or "evoke associations", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "carry connotations" or "have connotations"?

Both "carry connotations" and "have connotations" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Carry connotations" often suggests a more active or inherent association, while "have connotations" is more general.

What's the difference between "carry connotations" and "imply associations"?

"Carry connotations" emphasizes the inherent associations a word or phrase evokes, while "imply associations" focuses on the act of suggesting something indirectly through the use of language.