imply that

USAGE SUMMARY

'imply that' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to suggest or hint at something without explicitly stating it. For example, "Her tone seemed to imply that she had something to say."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The parentheses are used to imply that same echo textually.

The Guardian - Tech

imply that is OBOP.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Does this equality imply that is hyperconvex?

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

imply that is a saddle point.

Advances in Difference Equations

Roubini and Richardson imply that the I.M.F.

The New Yorker

Did I imply that I thought?. ..".

The New York Times - Magazine

"It doesn't imply that at all," he said.

The New York Times

These results imply that the cause is environmental.

The New Yorker

Does that imply that we humans are the final product?

The New York Times

But certain passages appeared to imply that he was both.

The Guardian

All this would imply that Nessa knew about the wiretap.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "imply that" when you want to suggest a conclusion without stating it directly. This is useful for nuanced communication where direct statements might be too forceful or lack subtlety.

Common error

Avoid using "imply that" when you actually mean "infer that". "Imply" is used by the speaker or writer to suggest something, while "infer" is used by the listener or reader to draw a conclusion. For example, a speaker implies something, and the audience infers it.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "imply that" is to introduce a subordinate clause that expresses a suggestion or indirect statement. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, aligning with the numerous examples found.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "imply that" is a common and grammatically correct construction used to suggest a conclusion or idea without explicitly stating it. It's versatile, appearing in various contexts from scientific writing to news media. As Ludwig AI validates, the phrase serves to convey information indirectly, allowing for nuance and subtlety. Remember to use "imply that" when you want the audience to draw their own conclusions, and be careful not to confuse it with "infer that", which describes the act of drawing a conclusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggest that

This alternative is a more direct synonym, often used interchangeably but can sometimes carry a slightly weaker sense of indication.

indicate that

This option is more formal and direct, often used when presenting evidence or findings.

hint that

This alternative suggests a more subtle and indirect form of implication.

insinuate that

This version carries a negative connotation, suggesting something unpleasant or critical in an indirect way.

allude to

This is a more literary term, suggesting a reference to something without explicitly mentioning it.

lead one to believe that

This alternative emphasizes the effect on the audience, indicating what someone might conclude.

give the impression that

This option focuses on the perceived appearance or feeling conveyed.

suggest the possibility that

This alternative introduces a sense of uncertainty or speculation.

point to the conclusion that

This version highlights the logical inference drawn from certain facts or observations.

convey the idea that

This option emphasizes the communication of a specific concept or message.

FAQs

How can I use "imply that" in a sentence?

Use "imply that" to suggest something without directly stating it. For example, "His silence seemed to "imply that" he disagreed with the proposal."

What is a synonym for "imply that"?

A synonym for "imply that" is "suggest that". However, the best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "imply that" and "infer that"?

"Imply" means to suggest something indirectly, while "infer" means to draw a conclusion based on evidence. The speaker implies, and the listener infers.

Is it correct to say "imply to" instead of "imply that"?

No, the correct phrase is "imply that". Saying "imply to" is grammatically incorrect.