it is alluded to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is alluded to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is indirectly mentioned or hinted at in a text or conversation. Example: "In the novel, the protagonist's troubled past is often alluded to, but never explicitly stated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is alluded to in amendments to the United States Constitution.

The New York Times - Arts

It is alluded to as a Big Event, but nothing has happened.

The New York Times - Books

It is alluded to in the Discussion but the relevance, significance, and novelty of the results remain vague.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Miyamoto later stated that "it's what you think it is", alluding to the Tanooki Suit, a power-up originally from Super Mario Bros. 3.

Wikipedia

It was alluded to in a hearing of a Congressional panel investigating the Sept. 11 attacks and then released tonight, after the House opened its debate on Iraq.

The New York Times

The fact of slavery in the Confederacy and at the Farnsworth school isn't eliminated from the film entirely; it's alluded to in a single line of dialogue—"the slaves left".

The New Yorker

The audience had no idea what he said, but in typical "Bachelor" fashion, it was alluded to in the vaguest way possible.

Huffington Post

It was alluded to in the episode's final moments, as the Night's King stared down Jon intensely, that there's some sort of connection between these two, or that the King sees potential in Jon.

Huffington Post

While Wills' letter drew no immediate response, it was alluded to three weeks later in an advertisement for a "scratch match", organised with the help of his friend, professional cricketer and publican Jerry Bryant, and held adjacent to the MCG at the Richmond Paddock.

Wikipedia

The film misses the career as a successful travel writer and businesswoman that Swinton sacrificed (it's alluded to briefly) and loses some of the impact of the climax by ditching the novel's narrative decision to have the mother address her husband in letters talking about their son.

Huffington Post

It was alluding to the alliances of big airlines that can enable them to send passengers to other carriers and still share the ticket revenue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is alluded to" when you want to indicate that something is mentioned indirectly, without explicitly stating it. This can add nuance and subtlety to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it is alluded to" in casual or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "it's hinted at" or "it suggests" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is alluded to" functions as a passive construction, where a subject is indirectly referenced or hinted at rather than explicitly stated. It is frequently employed to introduce subtlety or nuance in communication. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33.33%

Science

33.33%

Wiki

33.33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is alluded to" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for indicating indirect references, predominantly in news, scientific, and general contexts. While not overly frequent, according to Ludwig, its formality makes it well-suited for academic and analytical writing. Alternatives such as "it is hinted at" or "it is suggested" can provide simpler options for more casual settings. Remember to use this phrase when you aim to add nuance and subtlety by implying rather than directly stating information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is hinted at

This alternative suggests a more subtle and indirect reference.

it is suggested

This is a more straightforward alternative, implying a gentle introduction of an idea.

it is implied

Focuses on the indirect nature of the reference, where the meaning is not explicitly stated.

it is referenced indirectly

Emphasizes the indirect nature of the reference, making it clear that it's not a direct mention.

it is intimated

This alternative implies a delicate or subtle communication of the idea.

it is implied subtly

Highlights the subtlety of the implication, making it less obvious.

it is mentioned in passing

Indicates a brief and perhaps unimportant reference to the subject.

it is touched upon

Suggests a brief and light engagement with the topic, without deep exploration.

it is vaguely suggested

This implies that the suggestion is unclear or not well-defined.

it is vaguely referenced

Indicates that the reference is unclear and lacking in detail.

FAQs

How can I use "it is alluded to" in a sentence?

You can use "it is alluded to" to indicate that something is mentioned indirectly or hinted at. For example, "In the text, the character's past trauma "it is alluded to", but never fully explained."

What are some alternatives to "it is alluded to"?

Some alternatives to "it is alluded to" include "it is hinted at", "it is suggested", or "it is implied". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is alluded to" formal or informal?

"It is alluded to" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, it might be better to use simpler alternatives like "it's hinted at".

What's the difference between "it is alluded to" and "it is referenced"?

"It is referenced" implies a more direct mention, while "it is alluded to" indicates an indirect or suggestive mention. If something is directly named, "it is referenced". If it's only hinted at, "it is alluded to".