implicated in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "implicated in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone or something is involved in a situation, often in a negative or criminal context. Example: "The investigation revealed that several officials were implicated in the corruption scandal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was not implicated in the inquiry.

The New York Times

It is implicated in the civilian deaths.

Independent

Glycoproteins are implicated in several other allergies.

The Economist

She's totally implicated in the film.

The New York Times

Luther was heavily implicated in this turnabout.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I wanted to be implicated in it.

The New Yorker

H7N9 contains mutations implicated in this switch.

The Economist

They are even implicated in border disputes.

The Guardian

We are implicated in the world.

The New York Times

They feel more implicated in their city".

The Guardian

(Reality shows are implicated in both campaigns).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "implicated in", ensure the context clearly indicates the nature and extent of the involvement. Avoid using it loosely, as it often carries a negative connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "implicated in" when the involvement is minor or speculative. Use more neutral terms like "involved in" or "connected to" if the situation doesn't warrant a stronger implication of wrongdoing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "implicated in" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating involvement or connection, often in a negative or questionable context. Ludwig examples confirm its usage across diverse subjects. Ludwig AI explains that is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

31%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Huffington Post

5%

The New Yorker

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "implicated in" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that signifies involvement or connection, usually in a negative context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Science", this phrase is versatile, yet should be employed carefully to avoid overstating involvement. Alternatives such as "involved in" or "connected to" offer more neutral options, if a negative connotation is not intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

involved in

A more general and neutral alternative, suggesting participation without necessarily implying wrongdoing.

connected to

Indicates an association or link, which may or may not be direct or significant.

linked to

Similar to "connected to", but often implies a stronger or more causal relationship.

associated with

Suggests a correlation or relationship, without specifying the nature of the connection.

complicit in

Strongly suggests participation in wrongdoing or an unethical act.

embroiled in

Implies a complicated or difficult involvement, often in a negative situation.

entangled in

Similar to "embroiled in", suggesting a complex and potentially problematic involvement.

caught up in

Suggests an unintentional or accidental involvement in a situation.

tied to

Suggests a close and significant connection, often with implications.

attributed to

Indicates that something is believed to be the cause or origin of something else.

FAQs

What does "implicated in" mean?

"Implicated in" means to be involved in something, especially a crime or wrongdoing. It suggests a connection or participation that may lead to suspicion or blame.

What can I say instead of "implicated in"?

You can use alternatives like "involved in", "connected to", or "linked to" depending on the context.

How is "implicated in" different from "involved in"?

"Implicated in" carries a stronger suggestion of wrongdoing or culpability, while "involved in" is more neutral and simply indicates participation.

Can "implicated in" be used in a positive context?

While rare, "implicated in" can be used in a neutral context to denote involvement. However, it's typically associated with negative situations or wrongdoing, so using an alternative like "instrumental in" might be more appropriate for positive scenarios.