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preposition after verb

How to use "imply" with prepositions

Imply usually takes a direct object. By and in often belong to related structures rather than fixed verb patterns.

Quick answer

Typical usage

Use imply something or imply that. By can introduce the means of implication, and in often appears in passive expressions such as implied in the report.

implied by his tone
implied in the article

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
imply + idea

Stating indirect meaning

Imply commonly takes a direct object or clause.

imply criticism
2
imply by + action/words

Explaining how meaning is suggested

By introduces the means or behaviour.

What did you imply by that remark?
3
implied in + text

Showing where meaning appears

In is common in passive constructions.

implied in the contract

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
imply by
She implied by her silence that she disagreed.
By introduces the means of implication.
imply in
The condition is implied in the agreement.
In identifies the source or context.
imply that
His answer implied that he knew the truth.
Very common clause pattern.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using in after active imply

In is less natural directly after active imply.

✕ She implied in a complaint. ✓ She implied dissatisfaction in her complaint.

Confusing imply and infer

Speakers imply; listeners infer.

✕ I implied from his voice that he was upset. ✓ I inferred from his voice that he was upset.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. What did you imply ___ that comment?
2. The warning was implied ___ the email.
3. Her response implied ___ she was unhappy.

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Frequently asked questions

Is "imply by" correct?

Yes, especially in questions such as What do you mean by that?

Can I say "implied in"?

Yes. It is common in passive constructions.

Does imply always need a preposition?

No. It often takes a direct object or a that-clause.

identify-with-by-in-as, for "ignore by" or "ignore in"? illuminate by, with, at, for or in? "illustrate by" or "illustrate in"? "imagine for", "imagine by" or "imagine in"? imbue with, in, by or onto? immigrate to, from, in, with or into? impair by, for, in, because or throughout? "impart to", "impart in" or "impart by"? "impeach by" or "impeach for"? "impinge on" or "impinge upon"? "implement in" or "implement by"?

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