subtle implication

USAGE SUMMARY

"subtle implication" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to an indirect or implicit suggestion. Examples: The subtle implication of the speaker's comments was that the new policy would not be beneficial. The president's speech contained a subtle implication that he would be running for a second term.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"There was a subtle implication that if we didn't allow the club to continue, there'd be legal action," she said.

The New York Times

It's practically a mantra, with the subtle implication that the current generation of doctors consists of mere technicians.

The New York Times

There's a subtle implication here: True privacy allows you to control others' access to you so that you can choose whether or not to interact.

Harvard Business Review

But the filmmakers deal with more subtle implication, of "ordinary" Germans as well as a world community that did not step in to save the Jews.

The New York Times - Arts

Selecting a word is often more a matter of connotation, the subtle implication of ideas or emotions, than of denotation, the literal meaning.

The New York Times

There can also be an element of value judgement about the way labels are applied, a subtle implication that these books are all basically the same – derivative at best, cynically bandwagon-jumping at worst.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Ceding control to the host has some other, subtle implications.

MIT Technology Review

But analysts say the change has important if subtle implications for relations with China.

The New York Times

The decision is complex, and lawyers will be arguing over its more subtle implications for years.

The Washington Post

It also has subtle implications for evidence evaluation in areas such as accident investigation, confirmation of scientific theories, law, diagnosis, and financial auditing.

Stanford University

Because the longest-match rule is widely used, a language designer or a compiler implementor frequently overlooks the subtle implications of the rule.

Computer Languages, Systems & Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "subtle implication" when you want to suggest something indirectly without stating it explicitly. This allows for nuance and avoids being overly direct.

Common error

Avoid making the "subtle implication" so vague that it becomes unclear. Ensure there's enough context for the audience to grasp the intended meaning without confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subtle implication" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it refers to an indirect or implicit suggestion. The examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts to denote something that is suggested rather than stated outright.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "subtle implication" is a common noun phrase used to denote an indirect suggestion or message, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts, its neutral register makes it versatile for professional communication. When using "subtle implication", ensure the context provides enough clarity to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "implicit suggestion" or "indirect inference" can be used depending on the intended nuance. In summary, "subtle implication" is a valuable tool for conveying messages tactfully and persuasively without explicit statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implicit suggestion

Focuses on the unspoken nature of the suggestion.

implied meaning

Focuses on the meaning that is suggested but not directly expressed.

indirect inference

Highlights the process of drawing a conclusion that is not explicitly stated.

hinted suggestion

Emphasizes the indirectness and lightness of the suggestion.

unspoken message

Highlights the communication of a message without direct words.

veiled insinuation

Emphasizes the hidden or disguised nature of the suggestion, often with a negative connotation.

tacit understanding

Stresses a mutual comprehension that doesn't require explicit communication.

underlying meaning

Draws attention to the deeper, less obvious significance.

connotative sense

Highlights the suggestive and emotional associations connected with a word or phrase.

oblique reference

Stresses the roundabout and indirect nature of the reference.

FAQs

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

You can use "subtle implication" to refer to an indirect suggestion or message. For example, "The negotiator's silence carried a "subtle implication" that the deal was not favorable".

What are some alternatives to "subtle implication"?

Alternatives include "implicit suggestion", "indirect inference", or "veiled insinuation", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be direct or use a "subtle implication"?

Whether to be direct or use a "subtle implication" depends on the context. Directness is better when clarity is essential, while a "subtle implication" can be useful when tact or diplomacy is required.

What's the difference between "subtle implication" and "direct statement"?

A "subtle implication" hints at something without explicitly stating it, whereas a "direct statement" clearly and openly expresses a thought or fact.