this could imply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this could imply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting a possible interpretation or conclusion based on the information presented. Example: "The data shows a significant increase in sales; this could imply that our marketing strategy is effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This could imply that a tighter budget (i.e. requiring a larger emissions reduction) is appropriate.

The Guardian

This could imply that people also prefer to live in more homogeneous countries.

The Economist

This could imply that Trump could struggle to substantially increase his support in the months to come.

The Guardian

This could imply that gatekeepers do little to limit access to specialists and, by extension, contain costs.

The New York Times

This could imply that the rest of the book is an Alice-style dream, or series of daydreams.

The Guardian - Books

This could imply lower profits for the company.

Journal of Retailing

This could imply that the more uncertain emission sources should be excluded from emission trading.

Environmental Science & Policy

No word on what exactly it would entail, but this could imply a modest update for the company's tablet.

TechCrunch

This could imply Microsoft is intending this new app more for business use, while Wunderlist might remain more consumer-facing.

TechCrunch

And this could imply a breakdown of trust in the "usual channels" through which much Commons business is stage-managed.

BBC

This could imply that GLUT 1 protein is not efficient in transportation of glucose molecules in fish.

International Aquatic Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this could imply" to introduce a logical consequence or potential interpretation of data or observations. Ensure the connection between the initial statement and the implied result is clear and reasonable.

Common error

Avoid using "this could imply" to suggest a definitive conclusion when the evidence is weak or ambiguous. Instead, acknowledge the uncertainty by using qualifiers such as "might", "may", or "potentially" to maintain accuracy and avoid overstating the strength of the implication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this could imply" functions as an inferential marker, used to introduce a potential implication or consequence of a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it introduces a possibility, suggesting but not definitively stating a conclusion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this could imply" serves as a versatile phrase to introduce potential inferences or logical consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, notably in science and news media. When employing "this could imply", ensure the connection between the statement and its implication is clear and reasonable, while avoiding overstatement. By utilizing alternatives like "this might suggest" or "this may indicate", writers can maintain precision and clarity in their expression. As shown by the many examples curated by Ludwig, this phrase is a common and valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this might suggest

Replaces "could" with "might", indicating a slightly weaker possibility.

this may indicate

Substitutes "could imply" with "may indicate", suggesting a possible sign or signal.

this suggests

Omits "could", making a more direct suggestion or implication.

this potentially means

Replaces "imply" with "potentially means", highlighting a possible outcome.

this may lead to

Focuses on a consequential result rather than a direct implication.

this indicates that

Replaces "could imply" with a more direct statement of indication.

this allows us to infer

Highlights the act of drawing a conclusion or inference.

from this we can gather

Emphasizes the process of collecting information and forming a conclusion.

this points to the possibility

Suggests a potential direction or outcome.

the logical conclusion is

Presents a formal, reasoned conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "this could imply" in a sentence?

Use "this could imply" to suggest a potential consequence or interpretation based on the information presented. For instance, "The increase in temperature could imply a shift in the climate pattern".

What are some alternatives to "this could imply"?

You can use alternatives like "this might suggest", "this may indicate", or "this suggests" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "this could imply" and "this implies"?

"This could imply" suggests a possibility or potential implication, while "this implies" states a more direct or definitive implication. The use of "could" introduces a degree of uncertainty.

Is it appropriate to use "this could imply" in formal writing?

Yes, "this could imply" is suitable for formal writing, including academic and professional contexts, as it provides a balanced way to introduce potential interpretations without making absolute claims.