tdol said:
'You've got to watch your step with him.'
'What are you inferring?' :cross:
This is a typical error- the second speaker should use 'implying' as the first speaker is trying to say something about the man. The first speaker is implying that there's something dangerous, etc, about the man. The second speaker, who is receiving and processing the information, is inferring.:
'You've got to watch your step with him.'
'What are you implying?' :tick:
Hello,
May I add a little to this discussion?
I used to have a bit of difficulty between infer and imply, myself :crazyeye:. I do not now. Your succinct explanation is great tdol! I wish someone had put it so nicely for me in the beginning.
Let's put this in dialog fashion w/names to further illustrate the usages:
Dad: "You've got to watch your step with him."
Son: "Have you had previous dealings with him?"
Dad: "Indeed, I have. They were none too pleasant."
Son: "So, am I to infer, then, that he is dishonest?"
(the son infers or makes a conclusion based on the facts that his father stated)
Dad: "That is exactly what I'm implying."
;-) I hope this helps to clarify the situation some, too.:up:
Smiles,:usa
Sweet Momma Sue