Imply vs Infer: Speaker and Listener Roles
A speaker or piece of evidence implies something indirectly. A listener or reader infers meaning from the clues.
Clear Explanation
• The source implies; the audience infers.
• Imply focuses on what is suggested but not stated directly.
• Infer focuses on a conclusion reached from evidence.
• An author may imply a message that a reader infers.
• Academic inferences should identify the supporting evidence.
Examples
Her tone implied that the decision was final.
From the results, we can infer that the change was effective.
The wording implies a risk that readers may infer from context.
Quick Comparison
Common Mistake
Avoid saying that a reader implies a conclusion when the reader is drawing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can evidence imply something?
Yes. Results, wording, and behavior can imply meaning.
Is infer the same as guess?
Inference is based on clues or evidence.
Who implies in a story?
Usually the writer, narrator, character, or text.