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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
connotes that
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "connotes that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something implies or suggests a particular meaning or idea. Example: "The use of dark colors in the painting connotes that the artist is exploring themes of despair and sadness."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
19 human-written examples
"To say that you're 'brave' connotes that you're afraid," she said.
News & Media
"The whole phrase of 'illegal immigrant' connotes that the person, by just being here, is committing a crime".
News & Media
"The return of [the] bride price connotes that the woman in marriage was some sort of loan.
News & Media
"A voucher connotes that you want everybody to take the money and flee into the private world," said B. Alexander Kress, an education adviser to Mr. Bush.
News & Media
I don't like to talk just about 'democracy,' because that connotes that there's a particular system that works for everybody, and I'm too much a respecter of Burke to assert that".
News & Media
This label easily, yet erroneously, connotes that an ideal fuel cell is superior to an externally reversible heat engine.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
38 human-written examples
Physical "Manly" interiors can be the worst cliché, but Carson Street manages to connote that idea without overkill.
News & Media
Wilpon and Katz want to bar the use of the phrase because it could connote that they received money stolen by Madoff from other investors.
News & Media
I didn't want to connote that I was Hercules and they" – he sweeps an arm across the rest of the band– "were 'the Love Affair'".
News & Media
They are arranged from top to bottom in a loose array connoting that those at the 'top' are closer to the explicit end, whereas those at the 'bottom' rely much more on implication.
Science
Interestingly, the three best-fit curves were close to each other, which connoted that the effect of different expressways did not much affect the effect of relative humidity of air on the relative permittivity of concrete in bridge decks.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "connotes that" when you want to emphasize the implied or suggested meaning of a word or phrase, rather than its direct definition. This is especially useful in literary analysis or when discussing abstract concepts.
Common error
Avoid using "connotes that" in situations where a simpler verb like "means" or "suggests" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "connotes that" functions as a verb phrase introducing a subordinate clause, expressing an implied or associated meaning beyond the literal definition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.
Frequent in
Science
30%
News & Media
50%
Encyclopedias
5%
Less common in
Wiki
2%
Formal & Business
2%
Reference
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "connotes that" is a useful tool for expressing implied meanings and associations in writing and speech. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and appears across various sources, particularly in news and media and scientific contexts. While "connotes that" isn't as common as simpler alternatives like "implies that" or "suggests that", it adds a layer of depth when you need to highlight subtle or culturally ingrained meanings. Remember to avoid overusing it in simple contexts where a more direct verb would suffice.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
implies that
Uses a different verb to express the same idea of suggestion or indication.
suggests that
Employs a more common synonym for "connote", indicating a hint or indirect statement.
indicates that
Focuses on pointing out or showing something, similar to implying but more direct.
signifies that
Highlights the meaning or symbolic representation of something.
intimates that
Conveys a subtle or indirect suggestion, often with a nuanced implication.
points to the fact that
Highlights evidence or factors that suggest a particular conclusion.
leads one to believe that
Indicates a reasoned conclusion based on presented information.
gives the impression that
Focuses on the perception created by something.
creates the idea that
Emphasizes the formation of a specific thought or concept.
projects the notion that
Highlights the outward communication of a particular concept or idea.
FAQs
How can I use "connotes that" in a sentence?
The phrase "connotes that" is used to imply a certain meaning or association beyond the literal definition. For example: "The use of the word 'freedom' in the poem "connotes that" the author values independence and self-expression."
What are some alternatives to "connotes that"?
You can use alternatives like "implies that", "suggests that", or "indicates that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Which is correct, "connotes that" or "denotes that"?
"Connotes that" implies an associated or suggested meaning, while "denotes that" refers to the literal or dictionary definition. Use "connotes" when discussing implied meanings and "denotes" when referring to direct definitions.
What's the difference between "connotes that" and "suggests that"?
While both phrases indicate an indirect meaning, "connotes that" often implies a more deeply ingrained or culturally understood association, whereas "suggests that" can refer to a more surface-level implication or hint.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested