Implied or Inferred - Common Grammar Mistake

'Implied' and 'inferred' are commonly confused words in English grammar. Understanding the difference between 'implied' and 'inferred' is important to use them correctly in written and spoken English.

'Implied' is an adjective that means suggested or understood without being directly stated. It refers to something that is hinted or suggested but not explicitly expressed.

'Inferred' is a verb that means to deduce or conclude something from evidence or reasoning. It refers to the act of drawing a conclusion based on information or clues.

Let's take a closer look at the meanings and usage of 'implied' and 'inferred'.

'Implied''Inferred'
The word 'implied' is used to describe something that is suggested or understood without being directly stated.The word 'inferred' is used to describe the act of deducing or concluding something based on evidence or reasoning.
  • The speaker's tone of voice implied that he was not happy with the situation. (suggesting without explicitly stating)
  • The advertisement implied that their product is the best on the market. (hinting at something without directly saying it)
  • Based on the evidence presented, the detective inferred that the suspect was guilty. (drawing a conclusion from evidence)
  • From her body language, I inferred that she was nervous. (concluding based on clues)

To remember the difference between 'implied' and 'inferred', it can be helpful to think of 'implied' as describing something that is suggested or understood without being directly stated, while 'inferred' refers to the act of drawing a conclusion based on evidence or reasoning.

Here are some examples of correct usage:

  • The author's message was implied but not explicitly stated in the novel. (suggesting without directly saying)
  • From the witness's testimony, the jury inferred that the defendant was guilty. (drawing a conclusion from evidence)

Remembering the correct usage of 'implied' and 'inferred' will improve your grammar and communication skills.