implication

USAGE SUMMARY

"implication" is a perfectly valid and commonly used word in written English.
It can be used to describe an indirect consequence of something, or to refer to an intentional suggestion or hint. For example, "His tone of voice implied that he was not happy with the result of their meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jason Downs, an attorney for the Gray family, told the Post: "We disagree with any implication that Freddie Gray severed his own spinal cord".

The Guardian

On Saturday, Jonathan Eyal, the international director of the Royal United Services Institute, took issue with Blair's analysis and any implication that western governments were not informed before invading Iraq of the sectarian violence that was likely to be stirred up.

The Guardian

The council found the implication that a high proportion of DSP recipients are "slackers" and should not be receiving DSP was "offensive to an extent not justified by the public interest".

The Guardian

The implication was that these women had been chosen for all the wrong reasons.

The Guardian - Opinion

The implication is that dressing in a more conventionally feminine way is somehow more frivolous, and can undermine perceptions of a woman's intellectual and professional skills.

The Guardian

The implication of our present velocity is that we'll have arrived at a figurative 2005 by the time the teams become reacquainted in Australia later this year.

The Guardian - Sport

The implication is that councils are pursuing these applications in their self-interest.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What that means is that of course they didn't direct it - no one's suggesting they directed it - but they approved it by implication.

The Guardian

The implication is: if political parties deliver against a core belief, with integrity, and do not act like perennial crooks, then no matter how minimal the change they achieve, it is the integrity that matters.

The Guardian - Opinion

The implication is that tax collections have been so badly hit by the economic chaos since January's election that government revenues are no longer sufficient to cover day-to-day costs.

The Guardian - Business

One of Kenny's first lines was the current economic mess his government was now dealing with was "not your fault", the implication being that the real fault lay with the builders and speculators, and their chums in the Irish banks who loaned them billions to construct new homes and offices that no one really needed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "implication", ensure that the context provides sufficient clues for the reader to understand the intended meaning, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "implication" when you mean to state something directly. "Implication" suggests something is understood without being openly expressed; a direct statement leaves no room for inference.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "implication" is as a noun. It denotes something that is suggested or understood, though not plainly expressed. Ludwig AI confirms that "implication" is valid and widely used in written English to describe indirect consequences or intentional hints.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

31%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "implication" functions as a noun to suggest something indirectly, inviting the audience to infer meaning beyond what is explicitly stated. Ludwig AI validates that this word is perfectly valid and widely used in written English. It is most frequently encountered in news, business, and scientific contexts. When using "implication", ensure the context provides sufficient clues for the reader to grasp the intended meaning, and avoid using it when a direct statement is more appropriate. Related terms include "consequence", "inference", and "suggestion", each offering subtle variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inference

Highlights the act of drawing a conclusion from evidence or reasoning, whereas "implication" refers to what is suggested but not explicitly expressed.

suggestion

Emphasizes a hint or indirect statement, similar to "implication" but can also refer to a proposal or plan.

consequence

Focuses on the direct result or effect of an action or event, differing from "implication" which suggests something inferred rather than directly stated.

ramification

Refers to the complex or unwelcome consequences of an action or event, adding a layer of complexity not always present in "implication".

entailment

Specifically denotes a logical consequence or necessary condition, which is a more formal and restricted sense than the broader "implication".

significance

Highlights the importance or meaning of something, shifting the focus from what is implied to what is meaningful.

import

Emphasizes the importance or significance, similar to "significance", but can also refer to the meaning or implication of something.

deduction

Stresses the process of reasoning from general principles to specific conclusions, unlike "implication" which may not involve explicit reasoning.

aftermath

Focuses on the period following an event and its consequences, while implication looks at consequences that are suggested without being explicitly stated.

allusion

Stresses an indirect reference, often literary or cultural, sharing the indirectness of "implication" but with a focus on reference rather than consequence.

FAQs

How to use "implication" in a sentence?

Use "implication" to refer to something suggested or understood though not plainly expressed. For example, "The "implication of his words" was that he disagreed."

What can I say instead of "implication"?

You can use alternatives like "inference", "suggestion", or "consequence" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "implication" or "implying"?

"Implication" is a noun, referring to the act of implying or something implied. "Implying" is the present participle of the verb 'to imply', meaning to suggest something indirectly.

What's the difference between "implication" and "inference"?

"Implication" is what the speaker or writer suggests indirectly. "Inference" is what the listener or reader understands or concludes based on the speaker's or writer's words or actions.