Infer vs. Imply – What’s the Gist?
The confusion between these two words does not lie in the meanings, spellings, or pronunciations being similar or even close, but rather, in not knowing the definitional differences.
- Infer is a transitive verb, indicating coming to a conclusion.
- Imply is a transitive verb, meaning giving an indirect statement.
How to Use Infer in a Sentence
Infer definition: As mentioned, the word infer is a verb that means to derive to a conclusion based on facts or premises; in other words, an educated guess or a wise surmise.
Infer also has a slightly nuanced meaning of to involve as a normal outcome of thought—an indication, if you will.
For example:
- After reviewing the data, the analyst inferred that the company was gaining more customers. (Past Tense Verb)
- The father inferred, since his daughter came in late, that she was out with her boyfriend. (Past Tense Verb)
- Based on earlier meals he had eaten, the child made an inference that this food was also going to be disgusting. (Noun)
By the way, the noun for infer is inference.
How to Use Imply in a Sentence
Imply definition: On the other hand, to i is to indirectly express something. Additionally, it expresses the idea to involve or indicate by an association or a consequence rather than by a direct statement.
For example:
- By questioning her lack of skill, the computer desk helper implied that the client’s lack of knowledge was the problem. (Past Tense Verb)
- After keying in the gift card that showed a zero balance, the cashier incorrectly implied that the customer was running a scam. (Past Tense Verb)
- The teenaged boy asked his parents, “Are you implying that my friends are a bad influence?” (Progressive Form Verb)
Simply, the word imply means to express something subtly.
Outside Examples of Infer vs. Imply
- You can infer from this process much about the couple’s gardening philosophy. Champions of meadowlike borders and picturesque weeds, they hew closely to the 20th-century English poet, novelist and garden designer Vita Sackville-West’s ideal of “sweet disorder” that is nevertheless “judiciously arranged,” as she wrote in 1958. –The New York Times
- “A factfinder could reasonably infer these failures were a substantial factor in producing the alleged harm suffered by Plaintiffs,” the judge wrote. –The Plain Dealer
- President Trump tried to downplay the threat the virus posed to the United States, and took to Twitter to project a sense of calm and imply it was a good time to buy stocks. –The Washington Post
- Lawyers for the electors disagree. They say the power to appoint electors does not imply a power to control them. They compare it to a governor’s power to appoint U.S. senators when there is a vacancy. There’s no corresponding power to remove them from office or control their votes. –The Denver Post
Phrases That Use Infer and Imply
Although there are not many idioms or common phrases that use these two words, there are a couple phrases that do utilize the words infer or imply, including:
Infer something from something: Reach a conclusion based on facts, observations, premises.
- The teachers infer that school will be cancelled due to the heavy snowfall.
Just what are you implying: Usually a defensive response when someone else is hinting at or suggesting something indirectly.
- After hearing the comment that he ate a lot, he replied: “Just what are you implying?”
How to Remember These Words
Since the confusion between these two words comes from not understanding what the words actually mean, knowing the definition for each one is paramount.
However, to help you sort out those definitions, use the following mnemonic devices:
- For infer, take a look at the letter f. In order to make an inference, you need the facts (which also starts with the letter f).
- For imply, use the letter p. Many times, when someone is implying something, it is a passive move. The word passive starts with the letter p.
Remember, to infer is to draw a conclusion. To imply is to make an indirect statement.
For example:
- A reading of the raw data infers a growth in population.
- His actions rather than his words implied that he loved her.
Article Summary
Is infer or imply correct? It really boils down to understanding what it is that you want to express. Are you making a conclusion? If so, choose the word infer. If you are making an indirect statement, pick imply.
Interestingly, you can infer something based on what someone is implying.
- Infer is a verb, meaning to surmise.
- Imply is also a verb, meaning to express subtly.