GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageMedium
A student is writing an argumentative essay and wants to ensure correct word usage. Which sentence correctly uses the word 'imply' or 'infer'?
- AAre you implying that I am wrong?
- BHe inferred his disapproval with a frown.
- CThe data implies that the experiment was successful.
- DFrom your silence, I can imply that you are angry.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Are you implying that I am wrong?
'Imply' means to suggest or hint at something without stating it directly (the speaker or writer implies). 'Infer' means to deduce or conclude information from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements (the listener or reader infers). Option A correctly uses 'imply' from the perspective of the speaker.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This option incorrectly uses 'inferred'; the speaker implies, the listener infers. A frown implies disapproval, one doesn't infer a frown.
- C. While common, data doesn't 'imply' in the human sense; it 'indicates' or 'suggests'. Strictly speaking, a person implies, and a person infers. However, A is the most unequivocally correct usage.
- D. This option incorrectly uses 'imply'; the listener infers, they don't imply from someone else's silence.
Imply vs. Infer
'Imply' means to suggest or hint at something without stating it directly (the speaker/writer implies). 'Infer' means to deduce or conclude information from evidence and reasoning (the listener/reader infers).
- Speaker/Writer: Imply (to suggest).
- Listener/Reader: Infer (to deduce).
- It's about the direction of communication: outgoing (imply) vs. incoming (infer).
Memory trick: Imply is 'I suggest,' Infer is 'I figure out.'