INFER vs. IMPLY

Communication consists of a message, a sender, and a receiver.

The sender can imply, but the receiver can only infer.

Remember this easy rule: "imply" rhymes with "I." Therefore, "I imply" but "you infer."

WRONG:  Are you inferring that I lied?

RIGHT:   Are you implying that I lied?

          If someone gets the idea from your behavior that you are not telling the truth, then he is inferring that you are a liar. But if he is subtly letting you know that he thinks so, then he is implying that you are a liar. You, of course, can infer from his implication that he thinks you are a liar.

IMPLY = to put the suggestion into the message (sender implies)

INFER = to take the suggestion out of the message (receiver infers)

IMPLICATION = what the sender has implied

INFERENCE = what the receiver has inferred

1) The facts (imply/infer) that Frank took the object.

a) imply
b) infer

2) Do you (imply/infer) from what was said that we have any chance?

a) imply
b) infer

3) What other (inference/implication) is possible?

a) inference
b) implication

4) They are concerned that the (implication/inference) will be that they were at fault.

a) implication
b) inference

5) It is reassuring to learn that you have drawn the (implication/inference) that Terry could not have been responsible.

a) implication
b) inference

6) What do you (imply/infer) from his remarks?

a) imply
b) infer