when alluding to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when alluding to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to refer to or mention something indirectly or in a subtle way. Example: "The author was quite clever when alluding to historical events in her novel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

During his gubernatorial bid in late 2010, he caused an uproar when alluding to Bill Clinton's affair with former intern Monica Lewinsky.

Huffington Post

Ms. Oates, who had two pet cats with Mr. Smith, shows her own sharp claws when alluding to Ms. Didion's book as an exercise in narcissism and vanity.

The New York Times - Books

12) In the subsection "Examination of regions containing clustered gene conversions", when alluding to "for most variants positions…", please provide numbers.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Strachan, it seems, was right when constantly alluding to the defensive talents and support offered by Shunsuke Nakamura, now at Espanyol.

The Guardian - Sport

It would be a fun, blood-soaked, and batshit crazy standalone adventure an opportunity to deliver on those moments in the Star Wars movies when Han Solo alludes to the savagery of Chewie when he's in a foul mood.

Vice

"You mean when I have my 43-year-old breasts hanging out?" Delpy asked when I alluded to it.

The New York Times - Magazine

The film doesn't announce itself as a horror until some distance in, when Dorsa begins alluding to a demonic presence that haunts her.

The Guardian - Film

And so that's when I was alluding to Facebook Connect before I think it's something that we're.

TechCrunch

Fleisher's references were sometimes arcane, as when he alluded to the "Toonerville Trolley" comic strip, which stopped running in 1955, or when he asked one student playing a meditative passage for "a chakra point below the navel".

The New Yorker

When I allude to "The Little Mermaid" or "Bluebeard" or "Cinderella", we know where we are.

The Guardian - Books

"Uh, what?" George, my breakfast companion, says when I allude to my late-'80s misery and enduring outsider status.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when alluding to" to subtly introduce a topic or reference without explicitly stating it, adding depth and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "when alluding to" excessively in highly formal or technical writing. Direct and explicit references are often preferred for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when alluding to" functions as an adverbial clause modifying a verb in the main clause. It provides a temporal context, indicating the time when an indirect reference or suggestion is being made. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when alluding to" serves as an adverbial clause to introduce a subtle or indirect reference. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase, indicating that it's suitable for contexts where suggestion and implication are valued. While the phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, it also has applications in more formal and scientific writing. Understanding the nuances of "when alluding to" helps writers add depth to their communication by signaling that they're not being explicit but rather leaving room for interpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when making an allusion to

A more formal and explicit way of saying "when alluding to."

when referencing

Focuses on the act of directly pointing to something, more explicit than alluding.

when hinting at

Implies a more subtle and indirect suggestion, emphasizing discretion.

while suggesting

Emphasizes the act of putting an idea forward, perhaps tentatively.

in relation to

Highlights the connection or association between two things.

when speaking of

Focuses on the act of talking about something.

as it pertains to

Focuses on relevance and connection, often used in formal contexts.

in connection with

Highlights a link or association, often in a formal context.

regarding

A concise way to introduce a topic or subject matter.

on the subject of

Directly introduces a specific topic for discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "when alluding to" in a sentence?

You can use "when alluding to" to introduce a subtle reference or indirect mention of a topic. For example, "The author was clever "when alluding to" historical events."

What are some alternatives to "when alluding to"?

You can use alternatives like "when referring to", "when hinting at", or "when making an allusion to" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "when alluding to" or "when referring to"?

"When alluding to" implies a more indirect and subtle reference, while ""when referring to"" suggests a more direct and explicit mention. Choose the phrase that best fits the level of directness in your writing.

What is the difference between alluding and referring?

To allude is to mention something indirectly or suggestively. To refer is to mention something directly and explicitly. Therefore, ""when alluding to"" should be used for subtle references, while ""when referring to"" is suitable for direct mentions.