pernicious implication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pernicious implication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a harmful or damaging suggestion or inference that may arise from a statement or situation. Example: "The article contained a pernicious implication that undermined the credibility of the entire research study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The pernicious implication of such views is that white males, who constitute a hundred and six of the hundred and ten individuals who have served on the Court, made it on merit, and that Sotomayor is somehow less deserving.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Why worry about the morally pernicious implications of Nozickianism?

The New York Times

But even textualists are not mindless literalists and so should be able to resist a siren song with such pernicious implications for American democracy.

Los Angeles Times

The effect may be less tawdry (or amusing) than Dan Savage's campaign to forever redefine Rick Santorum's last name, but it will likely have wider and more pernicious electoral implications.

The Economist

I think that the notion that solutions exist as a consumer sell rather than as a lifestyle or an understanding of the deeper implications of health is very pernicious, particularly when it is male centric.

Huffington Post

The clear implication for EMU is that its stability will hinge on the ECB's policy not being too restrictive.The pernicious effects of deflation on debt sustainability were further in evidence in the interwar period.

The Economist

"Pernicious quicksand!

The New Yorker

It's a pernicious relationship".

Independent

Alcoholism is ugly and pernicious".

Independent

And sentimentality can be pernicious.

The New Yorker

That message is particularly pernicious.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pernicious implication", ensure the context clearly establishes the source and nature of the harm being implied. Specificity strengthens the argument.

Common error

Avoid using "pernicious implication" when a direct statement of harm is more appropriate. Overuse can dilute the impact of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pernicious implication" functions as a noun phrase where 'pernicious' modifies 'implication'. It describes a damaging or harmful consequence that is not immediately obvious. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pernicious implication" is a grammatically correct and semantically rich expression used to describe a subtle but harmful consequence or suggestion. Though relatively rare in usage, as shown by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. Understanding its function and purpose can help writers effectively convey nuanced negative impacts in their writing. Always ensure that the harm is directly and clearly stated when using the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harmful insinuation

Replaces 'pernicious' with 'harmful' and 'implication' with 'insinuation', maintaining the sense of a damaging suggestion.

detrimental inference

Substitutes 'pernicious' with 'detrimental' and 'implication' with 'inference', both highlighting the negative impact.

damaging undertone

Replaces 'pernicious' with 'damaging' and 'implication' with 'undertone', shifting focus to the underlying harmful meaning.

negative suggestion

Uses more general terms like 'negative' and 'suggestion' to convey the adverse implication.

unfavorable inference

Employs 'unfavorable' and 'inference' to express the negative implication in a slightly more formal tone.

adverse undercurrent

Uses 'adverse' to describe the negative quality and 'undercurrent' to suggest a hidden or subtle implication.

baleful suggestion

Employs 'baleful' to emphasize the harmful nature and 'suggestion' to imply an indirect communication.

injurious connotation

Replaces 'pernicious' with 'injurious' and 'implication' with 'connotation', highlighting the harmful association.

unhealthy subtext

Substitutes 'pernicious' with 'unhealthy' and 'implication' with 'subtext' to emphasize the underlying negative message.

ruinous consequence

Uses 'ruinous' to highlight the destructive potential and 'consequence' to shift focus to the end result.

FAQs

How can I use "pernicious implication" in a sentence?

Use "pernicious implication" to describe a subtle but damaging consequence or suggestion arising from a statement or action. For example, "The policy has a "pernicious implication" for small businesses".

What are some synonyms for "pernicious implication"?

Alternatives include "harmful insinuation", "detrimental inference", or "damaging undertone", each conveying a slightly different nuance of a negative consequence.

Is "pernicious implication" a formal or informal phrase?

"Pernicious implication" is generally considered a formal phrase, best suited for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts. More informal settings might benefit from simpler language.

What's the difference between "pernicious implication" and "negative impact"?

"Pernicious implication" suggests a subtle, often hidden, damaging consequence or suggestion, whereas "negative impact" refers to a more direct and obvious adverse effect.