negative implication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "negative implication" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it to refer to an assumption, suggestion, or inference that something negative will happen, or that has a potential negative consequence. For example, "The policy change carries a negative implication for the company's future growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

And neither has the negative implication of "scrawny".

The New York Times

This is necessary to avoid any negative implication on inflation.

The New York Times

"It will have a negative implication to those sitting in middle America".

The New York Times

"We divest any negative implication from the word and toss it around with love".

The New York Times

However, it has a negative implication in proximity effect correction, i.e. lengthening correction time.

Microelectronic Engineering

"So to admit that you don't understand something, particularly in a business context, can have a negative implication".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Should inventions with negative implications not be developed?

The New York Times

But slowing an investigation could have negative implications, too.

The New York Times

But it could have negative implications for the car industry.

The New York Times

The Office for Budget Responsibility warns it could have negative implications for business and consumer confidence.

The Guardian

But it would also have very negative implications for the rest of the United Kingdom as well.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential problems, use "negative implication" to clearly signal an expected adverse outcome or consequence.

Common error

Avoid using "negative implication" when a direct, explicit statement of negativity is more appropriate. "Implication" suggests something inferred, not directly stated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negative implication" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a potential or inferred adverse outcome or consequence. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase often appears to describe the potential downsides of actions or decisions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "negative implication" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term for denoting potential adverse outcomes or consequences. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for written English and conveys a sense of caution or concern about future results. It is found most often in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. When employing the phrase, writers should ensure that they are referring to something inferred rather than a direct statement of fact. Synonyms like "adverse consequence" or "detrimental effect" can also be used, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adverse consequence

Emphasizes the unfavorable result or outcome.

detrimental effect

Highlights the damaging impact or influence.

unfavorable inference

Focuses on drawing a negative conclusion or assumption.

downside risk

Emphasizes potential losses or disadvantages.

adverse ramification

Stresses the negative consequences or outcomes.

negative connotation

Highlights the negative associations or feelings connected to something.

indirect accusation

Focuses on an implied or veiled charge.

hidden drawback

Emphasizes a concealed or less obvious disadvantage.

potential pitfall

Highlights a possible danger or difficulty.

undesirable aspect

Focuses on the unwanted or disagreeable feature.

FAQs

How to use "negative implication" in a sentence?

You can use "negative implication" to describe an idea or action that suggests a possible bad result. For example, "The budget cuts have a "negative implication" for public services".

What are some synonyms for "negative implication"?

Alternatives to "negative implication" include "adverse consequence", "detrimental effect", or "unfavorable inference", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "negative implication" or "negative impact"?

While both refer to adverse effects, "negative implication" suggests something inferred or hinted at, whereas "negative impact" refers to a direct and measurable effect. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "negative implication" and "negative consequence"?

"Negative implication" suggests a potential or indirect result, while "negative consequence" refers to a direct and realized outcome. For example, a policy change might have a "negative implication" for employee morale, leading to the "negative consequence" of decreased productivity.