was implied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was implied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is suggested or understood without being directly stated. Example: "Although he didn't say it outright, the meaning of his words was implied in his tone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The wink was implied.

The New York Times - Arts

The lynching language was implied.

The New Yorker

More was implied than seen.

The New York Times - Arts

"We did decide there was implied malice in her actions".

The New York Times

Without these, we would have got nowhere, it was implied.

The Guardian

What was implied by each version of each statement?

The New York Times

"Everything was implied, everything was aesthetic," he said.

The New York Times

But it isn't – as was implied – light entertainment.

The Guardian - Books

In fact, the attack on Linda was implied and was not explicit".

The Guardian

All that, he protested, was "implied chicanery" and "a birthright sold for a mess of verbiage".

The New Yorker

Patten says it was implied in all the BBC's negotiations with them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was implied" when you want to indicate that something was communicated indirectly, without being explicitly stated. It's particularly useful when discussing subtle nuances or underlying meanings in communication.

Common error

Avoid overusing "was implied" in formal or technical writing where clarity and precision are paramount. In such contexts, strive for explicit statements rather than relying on implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was implied" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something was suggested or understood without being explicitly stated. Ludwig provides examples of how this phrase is used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was implied" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to indicate that something was communicated indirectly. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage spans diverse contexts, from news reporting to scientific writing. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and audience, opting for explicit statements in situations demanding utmost clarity. Alternatives like "was suggested" or "was inferred" can offer nuanced shades of meaning depending on the specific message you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was understood implicitly

Emphasizes the tacit nature of the understanding.

was suggested

Emphasizes a less forceful indication than "implied".

was inferred

Focuses on drawing a conclusion based on evidence.

was hinted

Indicates a more subtle and indirect suggestion.

was understood

Focuses on the reception of the message rather than the intention.

was tacitly conveyed

Highlights the unspoken transmission of the message.

was insinuated

Suggests a negative or unpleasant implication.

was gathered

Highlights the process of inferring information.

was indirectly stated

Clarifies that the statement was not made directly.

was left unsaid but understood

Emphasizes the deliberate omission of the statement.

FAQs

How can I use "was implied" in a sentence?

You can use "was implied" to indicate that something was suggested or understood without being directly stated. For example, "Although he didn't say it directly, the threat "was implied" in his tone."

What's the difference between "was implied" and "was stated"?

"Was implied" means something was suggested indirectly, while "was stated" means something was expressed directly and explicitly. They are opposite in meaning.

What can I say instead of "was implied"?

You can use alternatives like "was suggested", "was inferred", or "was understood" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state something, or is it okay if it "was implied"?

Whether to explicitly state something or rely on implication depends on the context and audience. In formal settings or when clarity is crucial, explicit statements are preferable. In informal settings or when the audience is familiar with the context, implication may suffice.