significant implications

Meanings

1. 1phrasepluralformal

   Important possible effects or consequences that something is likely to have.

   Grammar: Used as a plural noun phrase; it counts as plural, so you say the implications are serious, not the implications is serious.

   Patterns

   • have significant implications for something
   • carry significant implications
   • significant implications of something

   The new law has significant implications for small businesses.

   Rising sea levels carry significant implications for coastal cities.

   Researchers discussed the significant implications of the discovery for future treatment.

2. 2phrasepluralformal

   Important things that are suggested but not stated directly.

   Grammar: Here it means hidden or indirect messages rather than results; often used with words like contain or draw out.

   Patterns

   • contain significant implications
   • draw out the significant implications of something

   The minister's brief comment contained significant implications that few reporters noticed.

   Her choice of words had significant implications about how the talks would proceed.

Common combinations

have significant implications for

The decision will have significant implications for rural schools.

carry significant implications

Any change to the treaty carries significant implications for trade.

serious implications

The report warns of serious implications for food supplies.

wider implications

We should consider the wider implications of this technology.

implications for policy

The study sets out the implications for policy in clear terms.

Synonyms and how they differ

consequences

Consequences are the direct results that follow from an action, while implications are the possible effects, often not yet certain.

ramifications

Ramifications are complicated knock-on effects and sound even more formal than implications.

effects

Effects is a plainer, more neutral word for what something produces; implications suggests importance and uncertainty.

Word family

imply verb

to suggest something without saying it directly

implication noun

a single possible effect or a hidden suggestion

significantly adverb

in an important or noticeable way

significance noun

the importance or meaning of something

Commonly confused: significant implications or applications?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “significant implications”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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