which imply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which imply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something suggests an inference or conclusion. For example, "He made several statements during the meeting which imply that he was not happy with the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Avoid phrases like "arrested for," which imply guilt.

The New York Times

Redefine disability There are misconceptions that exist which imply disability to mean physical limitation.

The Guardian

Unlike "sarcastic" or "snarky," which imply a certain authority, "sassy" suggests impudence.

The New Yorker

Spectroscopically, they show blue-shifted emission lines, which imply that hot gases are blown outward.

Britannica

But they are by no means quick fixes, which imply shoddy or short-term solutions.

Harvard Business Review

Eval@ 205 words which imply judgment and evaluation, whether positive or negative, including means-ends judgments.

Harvard University

We found high concentrations of nitrates and ammonium in leachates, which imply an important environmental risk.

Soil Biology and Biochemistry

Furthermore, we find conditions which imply that a point is in the resolvent set.

Journal of Functional Analysis

AC magnetic heating studies have been performed which imply their potential for applications in hyperthermia therapy.

Carbon

"Operations," said Winston Churchill, "ought not to be described by code words which imply a boastful and overconfident sentiment".

The New York Times - Magazine

But public‐relations stunts which imply a false inevitability of doom do not speed the day of salvation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which imply", verify that the implication is valid and supportable, avoiding overstatements or logical fallacies. Consider whether "suggest" or "indicate" might be more accurate if the connection is less direct.

Common error

Avoid using "that imply" instead of "which imply" when introducing a nonrestrictive clause (a clause that adds extra information but isn't essential to the sentence's meaning). "That" should be used for restrictive clauses that are crucial to defining the noun they modify. For example, correct: 'These results, which imply further research is needed, are promising.' Incorrect: 'These results that imply further research is needed are promising'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which imply" functions as a relative clause, specifically a nonrestrictive (or nonessential) clause, introducing additional information that provides an inference or consequence related to the main clause. Ludwig AI confirms it is usable in written English. For example, 'We found high concentrations of nitrates and ammonium in leachates, which imply an important environmental risk.'

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which imply" is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction for introducing nonrestrictive clauses that indicate a consequence or suggestion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid way to express a logical connection. It's most commonly found in scientific and news contexts and maintains a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure the implication is clear and directly related to the preceding information, and avoid misusing "that" in place of "which" for nonrestrictive clauses. Consider alternatives like "which suggest" or "that indicates" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that implies

A more concise alternative that still directly indicates an implication.

which suggest

Replaces "imply" with "suggest", focusing on indirect indication rather than direct consequence.

suggesting that

Reorders the sentence to place the emphasis on the suggestion.

that indicates

Rephrases the clause to emphasize the act of pointing something out.

that entails

Highlights a necessary consequence or condition.

from which we infer

Highlights the act of drawing a conclusion based on evidence.

which leads to the conclusion

More explicitly states the derivation of a conclusion.

which signifies

Focuses on the meaning or representation conveyed.

that points towards

Emphasizes direction or tendency.

which hints at

Implies a subtle or indirect suggestion.

FAQs

How do I use "which imply" in a sentence?

Use "which imply" to introduce a nonrestrictive clause that indicates a consequence or suggestion stemming from the previous statement. For instance, "The data showed a significant correlation, which imply that further investigation is warranted."

What phrases are similar to "which imply"?

Alternatives to "which imply" include "which suggest", "that indicates", or "that entails". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "which imply" or "that imply"?

"Which imply" is appropriate for nonrestrictive clauses (adding extra information), while "that imply" is for restrictive clauses (essential information). Most often, "which imply" is the correct choice in formal writing.

What's the difference between "which imply" and "which indicate"?

"Which imply" suggests a logical consequence or necessary conclusion, while "which indicate" points to a sign or symptom. "Imply" suggests a stronger connection than "indicate".