implies the opposite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "implies the opposite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a statement or situation that suggests a meaning contrary to what is explicitly stated. Example: "The author's tone in the passage is sarcastic, which implies the opposite of what the words literally convey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It doesn't say so and implies the opposite.

The New York Times

The later usage implies the opposite, a love that turns into death.

The New Yorker

But the paradox of contemporary millennialism is that, as much as it is a grassroots movement, it implies the opposite of crowdsourcing — a faith in expertise and in the existence of great men.

The New Yorker

But to the extent that redistribution is an explanation, it implies the opposite: that social mobility is a product of high public spending, a bit like the low incidence of poverty or longer life expectancy (on both of which Europe also does better than America).

The Economist

Hence, positive score indicates more correct answers than incorrect answers, while negative score implies the opposite.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

A high value of out degree for a node implies that this node tends to make more connections with other nodes and a low value implies the opposite.

Journal of Big Data

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Indeed, he implied the opposite.

The New York Times

The promise to manage the nation's borders followed logically from the impossibility of fighting an election on a manifesto implying the opposite.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is a more fruitful and demanding route in which we rid ourselves of terms that distort or imply the opposite to what is really happening.

Independent

Overshadowing it all, despite the best efforts to imply the opposite, was "the perennial British sense of danger", to which they responded by making a "fearful effort to destroy any centres of authority in India that displayed the smallest flickers of independence".

The Guardian - Books

Selective emigration would imply the opposite, since people would presumably desert places where their attitudes were not the norm in favour of countries where their preferences were more typical.People may also migrate because they know something about their own future prospects.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider if a stronger verb like "contradicts" might be more appropriate if the situation involves a direct conflict, rather than just a suggestion of the contrary.

Common error

Avoid using "implies the opposite" when the statement merely presents a different perspective, not a direct contradiction. Ensure the original implication is strong enough to be meaningfully reversed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "implies the opposite" functions as a connector to show a contrast or contradiction. Ludwig AI examples show its use in diverse contexts, from legal interpretations to scientific findings. It clarifies that the actual meaning or consequence is contrary to initial assumptions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "implies the opposite" is a useful tool for indicating a contradiction or unexpected reversal of meaning. Ludwig AI's analysis shows that it is grammatically correct and primarily used in "News & Media" and "Science". When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure that the context clearly establishes the initial implication, which then needs to be contrasted with the opposite meaning. Consider alternatives such as "suggests the contrary" or "indicates the reverse" for variations in tone or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggests the contrary

This alternative uses "suggests" instead of "implies", which can soften the statement slightly. "Contrary" emphasizes direct opposition.

indicates the reverse

Using "indicates" provides a more neutral tone, and "reverse" highlights the flipped relationship.

points to the inverse

"Points to" is a more directional verb, implying a guidance of attention. "Inverse" focuses on the mathematical or logical reversal.

signals the antithesis

"Signals" suggests a clear communication. "Antithesis" is a more formal term for opposite.

betrays a contradiction

This highlights the inconsistency or conflict present, and makes the sentence stronger.

conveys an opposing view

"Conveys" focus on the transmission of the view. "Opposing view" is more subjective and less absolute than 'opposite'.

intimates the converse

"Intimates" is a subtler form of suggesting. "Converse" is a formal term indicating a reversed statement.

hints at the other side

"Hints at" provides a higher level of indirection. "Other side" is less technical than 'opposite'.

reflects an alternate perspective

Focuses on a different viewpoint rather than a direct contradiction.

implies a divergence

"Divergence" suggests a deviation, which implies difference but is not necessarily contradictory.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "implies the opposite" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "suggests the contrary", "indicates the reverse", or "signals the antithesis".

When is it appropriate to use "implies the opposite" in writing?

Use "implies the opposite" when a statement or situation subtly suggests a meaning that is directly contrary to what might be expected or what is explicitly stated.

What is the difference between "implies the opposite" and "states the opposite"?

"Implies the opposite" suggests a subtle or indirect contradiction, whereas "states the opposite" indicates a direct and explicit contradiction.

Are there any synonyms for "implies the opposite" that are less academic?

Yes, you can use phrases like "hints at the other side" or "conveys an opposing view" to express a similar idea in a more casual manner.