Key Difference

• Imply is when someone hints at something without directly saying it.
• Infer is when someone deduces or concludes something based on hints or information given.

1. Imply

• Definition: To suggest something indirectly.
• Used by: The person who gives the hint or makes the suggestion.
• Examples:
  • “When he said he was ‘tired of the same old routine,’ he implied he might leave his job.”
  • “The teacher’s look implied that we needed to be quiet.”

🔹 Think of implying as leaving subtle clues for others to pick up.

2. Infer

• Definition: To understand or conclude something based on what’s suggested.
• Used by: The person who receives the hint or suggestion and figures out the meaning.
• Examples:
  • “I inferred from his tone that he was unhappy with the decision.”
  • “She saw the storm clouds and inferred it was about to rain.”

🔹 Think of inferring as gathering clues and connecting the dots to figure out the message.

🎭 Analogy

Imagine a detective story:

• Imply: The writer gives subtle clues about the suspect’s guilt.
• Infer: The detective (or reader) picks up those clues and realizes who the suspect is.

Common Mistakes

• Switching the roles: Remember, implying is the act of giving a hint, while inferring is the act of getting or understanding that hint.
• Example of Incorrect Use:
  • “She inferred that she didn’t like him.” (❌ This suggests she was giving the hint, but she should be receiving it!)
  • Corrected: “She implied that she didn’t like him.”

Practice Time!

Fill in the blanks with “imply” or “infer”:

1. From his silence, we could _______ he wasn’t interested in the offer.
2. By saying “It’s quite warm here,” she _______ that the room was too hot.
3. When he talked about how busy he was, he _______ that he couldn’t come to the meeting.
4. I _______ from his enthusiasm that he loved his new job.

✅ Answers:

1. infer
2. implied
3. implied
4. inferred

Pro Tip

Remember:

• Imply = Hint given (Think “I” for initiator)
• Infer = Hint understood (Think “R” for receiver)