if it implies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if it implies" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the implications or consequences of a statement, action, or situation. Example: "I need to clarify my position on the matter, especially if it implies a change in our agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Even if a fund meets the 80percentteststhethe rule says, its name may be misleading if it implies an even higher commitment.

The New York Times

If it implies any criticism of the Clinton administration, that's their problem, not ours".

The New York Times

A lower pound will ease the transition, even if it implies lower living standards for a while.

The Guardian - Business

There may be something in that, even if it implies Wayne Rooney and the rest spend more time reading newspapers and watching Panorama than they actually do.

The Guardian - Sport

But if it asks something more, if it implies a certain way of life, then we must keep the Champagne corked.

The New York Times

If, as the new atheists think, Darwinian evolutionary biology is incompatible with Christianity, then will they give me a good argument as to why the science should be taught in schools if it implies the falsity of religion?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

She warned that the UK risked alienating peaceful pro-democratic Brotherhood supporters if it implied they had tendencies towards violent extremism.

The Guardian

Catholics showing virtually any streak of independent or innovative thinking, especially if it implied something valuable in modern thought and culture, risked having their prospects for leadership in the church waylaid.

The New York Times

But the fact that their stockmarkets are still coupled does not mean that their economies will follow America over a cliff.Decoupling was always a misnomer if it implied that an American recession would have no impact in the East.

The Economist

That has been left to the military-dominated National Security Council, which on March 1st announced 20 secularism-strengthening measures the government had to take if, it implied, the soldiers were not to seize power for the fourth time in 40 years.

The Economist

Surely one of the reasons the left has been losing the debate on welfare in America is that they still so often use the word "poverty" as if it  implied Dickensian levels of hunger and deprivation, rather than the subtler tortures of bad neighbourhoods, appalling schools, and little margin for error in conducting one's life.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if it implies", ensure that the implication is clear and logical within the context. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the connection between the two elements.

Common error

Avoid using "if it implies" when the connection is weak or easily misinterpreted. If the implication is not immediately obvious, rephrase the sentence to make the relationship more direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it implies" functions as a conditional connector, linking a hypothetical situation with its potential consequence or suggestion. It establishes a relationship where one event or statement leads to a certain understanding or conclusion. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if it implies" is a versatile phrase used to connect a condition with its potential consequence or suggestion. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It is particularly prevalent in news, science, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the implication is clear and logical to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "if it suggests" or "if it indicates" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Overall, "if it implies" is a useful tool for analytical and speculative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it suggests

Replaces "implies" with "suggests", indicating a less direct form of indication.

if it indicates

Substitutes "implies" with "indicates", conveying a more explicit pointing towards something.

if it signifies

Uses "signifies" instead of "implies", suggesting that something serves as a sign or symbol.

if it entails

Replaces "implies" with "entails", highlighting a necessary consequence or condition.

if it means

Uses "means" in place of "implies", focusing on the direct definition or interpretation.

should it suggest

Adds a degree of hypothetical conditionality to the suggestion.

if it leads to

Focuses on the consequence of one action resulting in another.

if it hints at

Indicates a subtle or indirect suggestion.

assuming it indicates

Adds the condition of assumption to the act of indicating.

in case it suggests

Expresses the alternative with more emphasis on hypotheticality.

FAQs

How can I use "if it implies" in a sentence?

Use "if it implies" to show a logical consequence or suggestion. For example, "Reducing the budget, if it implies cutting essential services, could negatively impact the community."

What's a good alternative to "if it implies"?

Alternatives include "if it suggests", "if it indicates", or "if it entails", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "if it implies" and "if it suggests"?

"If it implies" indicates a stronger, more direct consequence, while "if it suggests" points to a more subtle or indirect connection. The choice depends on the strength of the relationship you're describing.

When is it better to use "if it means" instead of "if it implies"?

Use "if it means" when referring to a direct definition or a clear, unambiguous interpretation. "If it implies" is more appropriate when discussing potential consequences or indirect suggestions.