One suggests something indirectly, the other deduces something from clues.
Verb. To suggest something indirectly without stating it. The SPEAKER or writer implies the meaning.
Are you implying that I lied?
¿Estás insinuando que mentí?
His tone implied he was angry.
Su tono implicaba que estaba enojado.
The report implies that costs will rise.
El informe implica que los costos subirán.
Verb. To deduce or conclude something from clues or incomplete information. The LISTENER or reader infers the meaning.
From his silence, I inferred that he disagreed.
Por su silencio, inferí que no estaba de acuerdo.
What can we infer from this data?
¿Qué podemos inferir de estos datos?
She inferred from his expression that something was wrong.
Ella infirió por su expresión que algo andaba mal.
Common mistake
Using 'infer' when the speaker is the one suggesting. Wrong: "Are you inferring that I lied?" if you mean what the other person is suggesting. (correct: Are you implying that I lied?)
Trick to remember it
The SPEAKER or writer implies (imply). The LISTENER or reader infers (infer). The message flows FROM the one who implies TO the one who infers. Writers imply; readers infer.
Quick rule
Who is suggesting something indirectly? They imply. Who is deducing something from clues? They infer.
Did you know?
In everyday English, many native speakers confuse imply and infer, using 'infer' when they mean 'imply'. It is one of the most documented misuses in native English, not just among learners. Even educated speakers make this mistake regularly.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
What did the author _____ in the last paragraph? I think there is a hidden meaning.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
From his nervous behavior, I _____ that he was hiding something.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Who is suggesting something indirectly? They imply. Who is deducing something from clues? They infer.
Using 'infer' when the speaker is the one suggesting. Wrong: "Are you inferring that I lied?" if you mean what the other person is suggesting. (correct: Are you implying that I lied?)
The SPEAKER or writer implies (imply). The LISTENER or reader infers (infer). The message flows FROM the one who implies TO the one who infers. Writers imply; readers infer.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy