he implied it

USAGE SUMMARY

'he implied it' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when someone indirectly suggests something without directly saying it. For example: "I asked my boss if I could take the day off, and he implied it would be okay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

If New York, like 38 other states, persists in electing at least some of its judges, he implied, it will have to live with the consequences.

The New York Times

If our recovery was to be blown off course, he implied, it would be because China had mismanaged its economy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yes, he implied it, but never quite said it.

The Washington Post

From now on, he implied, it would essentially be a mopping-up operation.

The Economist

He implied it, and it is not as though it was a mystery.

The New Yorker

He implied it, and it is not as though it was a mystery.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

In the book, he implies it was Hélène's destiny to die that night.

The Guardian - Books

In international affairs, he implies, it gives him unusual latitude.On the Chinese side, some also discern a potential for better bilateral relations.

The Economist

He implies it's easy for smaller films to get exploited by financiers: "There are a lot of people who know how to make money for themselves by buying your movie for a certain number and then streaming it.

Independent

Grisham's story doesn't quite convey that Mississippi had, before the emergence of this Krane-sponsored Manchurian judge, become a plaintiffs' paradise, but he implies it in the way he describes the corporate reaction to the Krane case.

The New York Times - Books

Yet if SAC was as rotten as he implies, it is puzzling that he has not charged the man who presided over it, Steve Cohen, with any wrongdoing.Returns at SAC were so extraordinary that it could get away with taking as much as half of them in fees, plus 3% of sums invested.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he implied it" when you want to emphasize that a message was conveyed indirectly, relying on inference rather than a direct statement. This is particularly useful in describing nuanced communications or subtle suggestions.

Common error

Avoid using "he implied it" when the person actually stated something directly. Implication requires the message to be understood without explicit articulation. If the statement was direct, use phrases like "he said it" or "he stated it" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he implied it" functions as a reporting verb construction, indicating that someone communicated a message indirectly. It's used to convey that a statement was made implicitly rather than explicitly. Ludwig's AI supports this, identifying the phrase as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he implied it" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that someone communicated a message indirectly, relying on inference rather than a direct statement. According to Ludwig's AI analysis, the phrase is correct and appears primarily in news and media contexts. When writing, be sure to use this phrase when you want to stress that something was suggested without being explicitly stated, and avoid using it when the statement was direct. Alternatives such as "he suggested it" or "he insinuated it" may also be considered to provide different nuances. Overall, "he implied it" is a useful and valid tool in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he suggested it

This alternative focuses on the act of suggestion, making it clear that the information was not directly stated.

he insinuated it

Using "insinuated" adds a nuance of subtlety or indirectness, often implying a negative connotation.

he hinted at it

"Hinted at" suggests a more subtle and less direct form of implication, like dropping a hint.

he alluded to it

"Alluded to" means making an indirect reference, often requiring the listener to infer the meaning.

he indicated it indirectly

This phrase explicitly states that the indication was not direct, clarifying the nature of the communication.

he gave the impression

This shifts the focus to the receiver's perception, emphasizing the impression conveyed rather than the speaker's intent.

he left it unsaid but suggested

Highlights the contrast between not saying something directly while still managing to convey the message.

he conveyed it tacitly

"Tacitly" suggests the message was communicated without explicit agreement or statement, understood implicitly.

he made an oblique reference

This highlights the indirect and roundabout nature of the reference.

he intimated it

"Intimated" suggests a subtle and delicate way of conveying information, often related to feelings or intentions.

FAQs

What does "he implied it" mean?

The phrase "he implied it" means that someone suggested something indirectly, without stating it explicitly. The listener or reader has to infer the meaning from the context.

How is "he implied it" different from "he said it"?

"He implied it" indicates an indirect suggestion, while "he said it" means a direct statement was made. Implication requires interpretation, whereas a direct statement is clear and unambiguous.

What can I say instead of "he implied it"?

Alternatives include "he suggested it", "he insinuated it", or "he hinted at it", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "he implied it" formal or informal?

The phrase "he implied it" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly used in news reports, academic writing, and everyday conversation.