'Imply' and 'infer' are commonly confused words in English grammar. Understanding the difference between 'imply' and 'infer' is important to use them correctly in written and spoken English.
'Imply' is a verb that means to suggest or indicate something indirectly. It is used when someone is hinting or suggesting something without explicitly stating it.
'Infer' is also a verb that means to deduce or conclude something based on evidence or reasoning. It is used when someone is drawing a conclusion based on the information or clues given.
Let's take a closer look at the meanings and usage of 'imply' and 'infer'.
| 'Imply' | 'Infer' |
|---|---|
| The verb 'imply' is used to suggest or indicate something indirectly. | The verb 'infer' is used to deduce or conclude something based on evidence or reasoning. |
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To remember the difference between 'imply' and 'infer', it can be helpful to remember that 'imply' is used when someone is suggesting or indicating something indirectly, while 'infer' is used when someone is deducing or concluding something based on evidence or reasoning.
Here are some examples of correct usage:
- His actions imply that he does not trust her. (suggesting indirectly)
- From the evidence presented, we can infer that the suspect was at the scene of the crime. (drawing a conclusion)
- She inferred from his tone that he was angry. (deducing based on clues)
- The article implies that the company is facing financial difficulties. (suggesting indirectly)
Remembering the correct usage of 'imply' and 'infer' will improve your grammar and communication skills.
