Follow a meaning from its sender to its receiver.
The idea
To imply is to suggest something indirectly; to infer is to draw a conclusion from evidence.
| Verb | Direction |
|---|---|
| imply | suggest a meaning without saying it directly |
| infer | draw a conclusion from evidence |
Examples
- Her smile implied approval.
- The notice implies that tickets are limited.
- His question implied doubt about the plan.
- We inferred approval from her smile.
- Readers inferred that the shop had closed.
- From the tracks, we inferred that a fox had passed.
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Watch out
A listener normally does not imply the speaker’s meaning: the listener may infer it.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct word. The speaker did not say it directly, but meant to ___ that the offer was unfair. (imply / infer)
Show answer or example answer
imply
imply: The speaker is conveying an unstated judgment.
Choose the correct word. From the empty shelves, customers could ___ that the sale had begun. (imply / infer)
Show answer or example answer
infer
infer: The customers use the shelves as evidence.
Choose the correct word. The report seemed to ___ that repairs were overdue. (imply / infer)
Show answer or example answer
imply
imply: The report suggests the timing without stating it directly.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct word. The speaker did not say it directly, but meant to ___ that the offer was unfair. (imply / infer)
Choose the correct word. From the empty shelves, customers could ___ that the sale had begun. (imply / infer)
Choose the correct word. The report seemed to ___ that repairs were overdue. (imply / infer)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe something a notice suggests and a conclusion a reader draws.