intimating that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intimating that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to suggest or imply something indirectly without stating it outright. Example: "Her tone was serious, intimating that she was not pleased with the decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Eyre is to be commended for intimating that, at some time in her life, she might have.

The New Yorker

Intimating that climate change will require abrupt and perhaps distressing lifestyle adjustments among Americans is, he said, counterproductive.

The New York Times

Judy Finnigan has been forced to apologise after intimating that Evans's crime was somehow mitigated by the fact it did not involve violence and the victim was drunk.

The Guardian - Sport

We do a disservice to the cause of justice by intimating that bias and discrimination are immutable, or that racial division is inherent to America.

The Guardian

However, there is some genetic divergence and differing linkage groups between the regions, intimating that gene flow is limited between these populations, allowing them to differentiate.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Introduction of T101A into NiTrac1 also eliminated the high-affinity component, intimating that NiTrac1 is a transport activity sensor, and that conformational rearrangements during the transport cycle affect mCerulean emission.

eLife

Theresa says, intimating that she is pregnant.

The New Yorker

Everything changed, though, when, in recent months, Republicans started intimating that Kerry was too Continental.

The New Yorker

She refused and shook my hand, intimating that I should leave.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We're not intimating that the White Sox tricked us," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

His school, a private religious school, began intimating that he might have to leave.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context. "Intimating that" is suitable for formal and neutral writing, but may sound overly elaborate in casual conversations.

Common error

Avoid using "intimating that" in casual or informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "suggesting that" or "hinting that" are more appropriate and sound less pretentious.

Linguistic Context

Intimating that functions as a verb phrase introducing a subordinate clause. It indicates the act of indirectly suggesting or hinting at something, rather than stating it explicitly. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intimating that" is a grammatically sound phrase widely used to suggest something indirectly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts like news, science, and professional writing. While "implying that" and "suggesting that" offer similar meanings, "intimating that" adds a touch of sophistication. Be mindful not to overuse it in casual settings where simpler alternatives would be more appropriate. It’s a common expression, found across various authoritative sources, making it a valuable addition to a writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implying that

Similar in meaning but more direct than "intimating that".

suggesting that

A more common and less formal way of indicating an indirect suggestion.

hinting that

Implies a more subtle and indirect suggestion.

insinuating that

Often carries a negative connotation, suggesting something unpleasant or dubious.

alluding to

Refers to something indirectly or vaguely.

leaving the impression that

Focuses on the effect the speaker's words have on the audience.

giving the idea that

A less formal alternative, emphasizing the conveyed idea.

leading one to believe that

Highlights the persuasive aspect of the indirect suggestion.

making it seem as though

Emphasizes the appearance or impression created.

conveying the notion that

Formal and emphasizes the communication of an idea.

FAQs

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

Use "intimating that" to subtly suggest something without explicitly stating it. For example, "Her silence was "intimating that" she disagreed with the proposal."

What are some alternatives to "intimating that"?

You can use alternatives such as "implying that", "suggesting that", or "hinting that" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "intimating that" and "implying that"?

"Intimating that" suggests a more subtle and indirect form of suggestion compared to "implying that", which can be more direct.

Is "intimating that" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "intimating that" is suitable for formal writing as it adds a layer of sophistication. However, ensure the context warrants such a formal tone.