Imply vs Infer: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Imply" means that the speaker is indirectly conveying something, while "infer" refers to the listener drawing a conclusion from this indirect communication or evidence.
Memory Tip: imply = speaker's hint, infer = listener's conclusion
imply stress on 'ply', infer stress on 'fer'
imply
verbTo imply means to suggest something indirectly without stating it explicitly.
Example:
The CEO's statement seemed to imply that there would be significant layoffs in the near future, which caused considerable unrest among the employees.
Common patterns:
imply a meaning
imply a relationship
imply consequences
infer
verbTo infer means to deduce or conclude information from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements.
Example:
From the data collected in the experiment, we can infer that the new drug significantly reduces the symptoms of the disease.
Common patterns:
infer from
infer that
infer a conclusion
Common Mistakes
She inferred that she was unhappy with the decision.
She implied that she was unhappy with the decision.
The speaker is indirectly conveying her unhappiness, which means she is implying.
From his tone, I could imply that he was upset.
From his tone, I could infer that he was upset.
The listener is drawing a conclusion from the speaker's tone, which means they are inferring.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. The CEO's statement seemed to ____ that there would be significant layoffs in the near future, which caused considerable unrest among the employees.
2. From the data collected in the experiment, we can ____ that the new drug significantly reduces the symptoms of the disease.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse imply / infer again
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