GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageMedium
A student is writing an argumentative essay and needs to use a word that means 'to suggest indirectly' rather than 'to deduce'. Which sentence correctly uses the word 'imply'?
- AFrom the professor's tone, I could imply that the assignment was difficult.
- BThe report implies that the company's financial situation is improving.
- CThe audience implied from the speaker's gestures that he was nervous.
- DThe data implies a strong correlation between exercise and improved health.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The report implies that the company's financial situation is improving.
'Imply' means to suggest something indirectly, while 'infer' means to deduce or conclude something from evidence. In options A and C, 'imply' is incorrectly used where 'infer' would be appropriate. Option B uses 'implies' in a way that suggests the data itself is doing the suggesting, which is grammatically sound, but option D provides a clearer example where the report (the source) is doing the indirect suggesting.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 'Imply' is used incorrectly; the person (I) infers, while the professor implies.
- C. 'Implied' is used incorrectly; the audience infers, while the speaker implies.
- D. While technically defensible that 'data implies', it's often more precise that a person infers from data. Option D is a clearer use of 'imply' from a source.
Imply vs. Infer
'Imply' means to suggest or hint at something without stating it directly. 'Infer' means to deduce or conclude information from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements.
- Imply = speaker/writer suggests.
- Infer = listener/reader deduces.
- The source implies; the recipient infers.
Memory trick: Speakers imply, listeners infer.