GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageHard
A student is writing an argumentative essay about the impact of social media. Which sentence correctly uses 'imply' or 'infer'?
- AThe statistics infer a strong correlation between screen time and loneliness.
- BThe author implies that social media use leads to anxiety, but doesn't state it directly.
- CFrom the data presented, I can imply that mental health issues are rising.
- DIt is difficult to infer what the study's conclusion was, as the data is unclear.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The author implies that social media use leads to anxiety, but doesn't state it directly.
'Imply' means to suggest or hint at something without stating it directly (the speaker/writer implies). 'Infer' means to deduce or conclude from evidence or reasoning (the listener/reader infers). Option A correctly uses 'implies' because the author is making the suggestion.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 'Infer' is incorrectly used; 'imply' should be used because the statistics (the evidence) are suggesting something.
- C. 'Imply' is incorrectly used; 'infer' should be used because the speaker (I) is drawing a conclusion.
- D. 'Infer' is incorrectly used; 'infer' means to deduce from evidence, but here the difficulty is in understanding the conclusion, not drawing one from subtle hints. 'Discern' or 'understand' would be better.
Imply vs. Infer
'Imply' means to suggest or hint at something (speaker/writer's action). 'Infer' means to deduce or conclude from evidence (listener/reader's action).
- Imply = to hint (sender's action)
- Infer = to deduce (receiver's action)
- They are two sides of the same communication coin
Memory trick: Imply is for the speaker, Infer for the listener.