this alludes to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this alludes to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something refers to or suggests a particular idea, theme, or concept indirectly. Example: "The author’s use of imagery in the poem this alludes to the struggles of the human condition."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Noel Foster and his pal Jasper Aspect are broke, and on the lookout for wealthy heiresses; and Jasper, a sort of poor man's Basil Seal, but no less charming for that, recalls Eugenia Malmains (ie Unity – when she is described as "England's largest heiress" this alludes to the fact that Unity was 6ft 1in tall).

The Guardian - Books

Plausibly, this alludes to William James' discussion of the occasion-sensitivity of the question whether, in a case in which both a squirrel and a man are circling a tree, the man goes round the squirrel (James, 1907/1975).

SEP

Older dogs naturally sleep more but this alludes to a change in the sleep cycle.

Los Angeles Times

A modern seeker can be, as anthropologist Richard Schweder put it, "the student and beneficiary of all traditions, and the slave to none". This alludes to an important, but little recognized fact: SBNRs are heavily oriented to Eastern ideas and practices, only they're more likely to check the None or SBNR box than the Hindu or Buddhist box.

HuffPost

In fact, Darwin, after concluding that—unlike tendrils twining stems are not irritable, pointed out that it was not expected 'as nature always economizes her means, and irritability would have been superfluous' (Darwin 1875); this alludes to an optimality approach.

AoB PLANTS

As such micromolar concentrations of CQ are found in the patient's plasma after initial CQ loading, this alludes to a clinically relevant antimalarial mechanism of the drug which has yet to be recognized.

Cell Death and Disease

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The "butterfly effect" is an example of this, alluding to the idea that the flap of a butterfly's wings in Africa can cause a cascade of events culminating in a tornado in Texas.

Cornell University

Similarly, this book alludes to plenty of "Idol" mysteries that it proceeds not to solve.

The New York Times - Books

This paper alludes to some of the architectures of data structures, communication layers, and configuration of the system.

Procedia Computer Science

Like the other works here, this project alludes to forms of piracy that go on in today's information age.

The New York Times - Arts

This juxtapositioning alludes to blood-to-blood diseases, and their devastating effect on our globe's population.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this alludes to" when you want to subtly suggest a connection or reference without explicitly stating it. It adds nuance to your writing by implying a deeper meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "this alludes to" when a direct reference is clearer and more effective. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this alludes to" functions as a linking phrase, connecting a subject with an indirect reference or implication. It serves to highlight a subtle relationship between the subject and a related concept or idea, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this alludes to" is a useful phrase to subtly suggest a connection or reference. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It functions to create a link between a subject and an implied meaning, adding depth and nuance to writing. While versatile, it's more common in academic, scientific, and news contexts. Remember to use it when a subtle reference is appropriate, but avoid overuse in situations where a direct statement would be clearer. Consider alternatives like "this suggests" or "this implies" for different shades of meaning. By understanding its function and context, writers can effectively use "this alludes to" to enrich their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this suggests

Replaces "alludes to" with a more direct term for indication.

this hints at

Emphasizes a subtle or indirect suggestion.

this implies

Focuses on the logical consequence or implication.

this refers to

Offers a more explicit reference than "alludes to".

this indicates

Highlights the signal or sign aspect of the reference.

this points to

Suggests a direction or focus of the reference.

this intimates

Implies a delicate or subtle communication.

this signifies

Emphasizes the meaning or importance of the reference.

this is reminiscent of

Draws a parallel or similarity to something else.

this echoes

Implies a resonance or reflection of another idea or thing.

FAQs

What does "this alludes to" mean?

The phrase "this alludes to" means that something indirectly references or hints at a particular idea, concept, or subject. It suggests a connection without explicitly stating it.

How can I use "this alludes to" in a sentence?

You can use "this alludes to" to connect a statement or observation to a broader concept or theme. For example: "The symbolism in the painting "this alludes to" the transient nature of life."

What are some alternatives to "this alludes to"?

Alternatives to "this alludes to" include "this suggests", "this implies", "this hints at", or "this refers to" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "that alludes to" instead of "this alludes to"?

Yes, "that alludes to" is grammatically correct and can be used when referring to something previously mentioned or understood. The choice between "this alludes to" and "that alludes to" depends on whether you are pointing to something immediate or something more distant in the context.