The difference between infer and imply is a frequent source of confusion in the English language. Using infer when you mean imply and vice versa is a very common English error.
Imply
It means to suggest that something is true or that you feel or think something, without saying so directly. You are dropping hints or your words carry a hidden meaning. Basically, it means to suggest without saying.
Examples:
- She didn't say she was mad, but her crossed arms and heavy sigh implied she was upset.
- He didn't say he was tired, but his yawn implied it.
- The data implies that sales will increase next quarter.
Infer
It means to deduce or to reach an opinion or decide that something is true on the basis of information that is available. Simply, To infer is to guess or decide what someone means based on what they don't say, but hint at.
Examples:
- From her frown, I inferred she was angry.
- He didn't say he was sick, but I inferred it from his cough.
- I inferred from his silence that he didn't agree.
Difference between imply and infer:
Imply means to suggest without saying directly.
Use imply when you are the one speaking or writing, and you are dropping a hint without saying it directly.
- I don't mean to imply that you're lazy, but you haven't finished your work.(You are hinting at it.)
- She implied she was hungry by staring at the menu. (She gave the hint.)
If you are giving the hint → use imply.
Use infer when you are the one listening or reading, and you are figuring out the hint or hidden meaning.
- From his angry tone, I inferred that he was upset." (You figured it out from the clue.)
- The teacher inferred that the students had studied because they scored well." (The teacher figured it out.)
If you are taking or figuring out the hint → use infer.
In a nutshell
Imply means to hint or suggest.
Infer means to conclude or deduce.
Books on Grammar:
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