Imply and Infer (1)

Many standardized tests—such as the Reading Inventory—test your ability to read between the lines by giving you a passage to read, and then asking you to infer something that is not explicitly stated in the text. To help you with these sorts of questions, some of the quizzes in this unit follow the same format.

Before we begin, however, let's make darn sure you know the meaning of the word infer. This word is used in many test instructions.

---

Imply and infer are words related to indirect information.

• Imply means to suggest or to say something in an indirect way.
• Infer means to come to a conclusion, based on hints and clues.

The person who implies is giving information; the person who infers is receiving information.

The words are opposites, like throw and catch. The person who implies is the pitcher; the person who infers is the catcher.

Instructions for the Quiz

Answer the questions.

Quiz