Imply and infer are often confused. The easiest thing to remember about them is that they go in opposite directions.
First of all, to imply means to suggest something without coming right out and saying it directly.
For example, if I have a frown on my face and am teary eyed, my facial expression implies that I am sad. Or, if I say, “I don’t even want to talk about my test score,” I am implying that I probably didn’t do very well.
Now, you are looking at my frown and teary eyes. You process the information you are seeing and infer that I am sad. Or, you listen to me talk about my test score and infer that I didn’t do very well.
So, imply goes out, or away from, the speaker and toward the viewer or listener. →
Infer comes in from the person who is implying to the viewer or listener. ←
I say I don’t want to talk about my test score. I am implying I didn’t do well.
You are listening to what I said. You infer that I didn’t do well from what I am saying (or implying).
Bring and take are also often confused, but no one really notices because many people never really thought about how they are different, including me!
Bring and take also go in two different directions.
You take things away. →
You bring them back. ←
For example:
Please take these books back to the library. Then, bring some new ones home with you.
Take this cup of sugar over to the neighbor, and bring the empty cup back.
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I also love when people misuse the word ensure with insure! I have to laugh at myself sometimes because
when I was only 10 years old, I had to edit every letter or note I ever received from anyone. Must have
been a sign telling me what career I should choose! Don’t you agree?
Definitely! I started correcting everything much later than that!
Thanks, Arlene. I am smiling. I am implying that I enjoyed your post. If you watch me smile as I read this, you may infer to a listener that I am enjoying this article. I think I got it.
You got it!:)
When I joined all the northern California Redwood Writers chapter this year, I started receiving your blogs. Even though I own–and read–your two grammar books; and one of my degrees is in English, I always check your blogs to refresh my grammar. Your latest book, “Correct Me If I’m Wrong”, is a great reference in my work. Thanks for your help and keep up the good work.
I love this- blogging about proper grammar. How about: in to verses into, or all right/ alright, there are other “put togethers”
but I can not think of other examples right now. I would love to read about this topic. thanks, DJ
Thanks, Donna! I think I do have a blog post on into versus in to, as well as alright and all right. Check the website for older posts….they are great ideas, though!