implies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "implies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something suggests or indicates a conclusion or meaning without explicitly stating it. Example: "The data collected from the survey implies that there is a strong correlation between exercise and mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The fact that they are on sale in shops implies they are safe.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, as the name the implies, this was never intended to be a long-term measure to keep a eurozone country afloat.

The Guardian - Business

And is Jason Russell scared to come out and admit that effective action entails an old-fashioned boots-on-soil invasion of a landlocked African country, with all the collateral damage that this implies?

The Guardian

Leaving Alexandria (Canongate) implies Cavafy, but the title mainly refers to Richard Holloway's Alexandria, near Glasgow, where this former bishop of Edinburgh grew up.

The Guardian - Books

It says this implies that they are just as likely to be employed as those already here and that adds a further 0.1% to the growth in the economy, outweighing potential falls in productivity in the existing UK labour force.

The Guardian

Declaring that east Jerusalem will not be described as "occupied" implies that Australia rejects the application of international humanitarian law.

The Guardian - Opinion

When this last argument has been made to me by my name-changing friends, I've pointed out it implies the man who keeps his name is not committed.

The Guardian - Books

The use of inverted commas around the phrase "foetal alcohol syndrome" almost implies Simon Jenkins is sceptical about this condition, perhaps implying an invention of fee-hungry lawyers?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Solidarity with all survivors!" Although the student guild at the University of Exeter has not banned the song, it did condemn it, saying: "A song that implies a woman is 'an animal' who 'wants it' because of the way she is dressed is not acceptable".

The Guardian - Music

A war implies two sides vying for supremacy.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That implies that we take every member state seriously.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, make sure that the subject making the implication is clear. Ambiguity can weaken the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "implies" when the connection is too weak or unclear. Ensure there is sufficient evidence or context for the reader to reasonably infer the intended meaning. Otherwise, use a more direct and explicit statement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "implies" is as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form of 'imply'. It is used to indicate that something suggests or indicates a particular fact or consequence, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

1%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "implies" functions as a verb to suggest a conclusion or meaning without direct expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse contexts. Predominantly featured in "News & Media", formal business settings, and scientific discourse, its purpose is to subtly hint at an idea, inviting the reader to infer the intended message. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the context sufficiently supports the implied meaning to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "suggests" or "indicates" to fine-tune your expression. "Implies" adds depth to writing when used judiciously, allowing for nuanced communication and engaging the reader's interpretive skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggests

Indicates a possibility or hint, often less forceful than "implies".

indicates

Points to something as a likely fact or conclusion; more direct than "suggests" but similar to "implies".

entails

Signifies a necessary consequence or condition, presenting a stronger connection than "implies".

connotes

Refers to an associated or secondary meaning, focusing on emotional or cultural associations rather than direct logical consequences.

signifies

Emphasizes the role of something as a sign or symbol of something else.

points to

Highlights evidence or information that directs attention to a particular conclusion.

presupposes

Indicates something that must be true or assumed beforehand in order for something else to be valid or intelligible.

hints at

Suggests something subtly or indirectly, often leaving room for interpretation.

alludes to

Refers to something indirectly or vaguely, often relying on shared knowledge or context.

intimates

Subtly suggests something, often something delicate or sensitive.

FAQs

How is "implies" used in a sentence?

The word "implies" suggests a conclusion or meaning without directly stating it. For example, "His silence implies agreement."

What is a synonym for "implies"?

Synonyms for "implies" include "suggests", "indicates", and "connotes". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "implies" and "infers"?

"Implies" means to suggest something indirectly, while "infers" means to draw a conclusion from evidence. The speaker implies, and the listener infers.

When should I use "implies" over "suggests"?

Both "implies" and "suggests" indicate something without stating it directly. "Implies" often indicates a logical consequence or necessary condition, while "suggests" can be a gentler, more tentative indication.