Infer — C1 Vocabulary
To work something out from clues or evidence. The listener or reader does the inferring.
Quick Answer
Infer means to work something out from clues. The listener infers. Think: to infer is to read between the lines.
Example: We can infer from the data that sales are rising.
Infer in 3 Sentences
Read these three sentences. Notice how infer is used:
- We can infer from the data that sales are rising. (work out from evidence)
- From his tone, I inferred that he was upset. (concluded from clues)
- Readers are left to infer the character’s motives. (figure out for themselves)
A Quick Tip About INFER
Infer and imply are opposites. The speaker implies (sends the hint). The listener infers (works it out). If you are drawing a conclusion from evidence, you are inferring.
Using “imply” when you mean “infer”
✗ From her face, I implied she was angry.
✓ From her face, I inferred she was angry.
Easy way to remember: you INfer by taking information IN. The listener infers.
Practice all Imply vs Infer
Now practise infer together with the other words in this topic. Use Study, Practice, Flashcards, and Review.
Imply vs Infer
Master imply and infer — the C1 pair that even native speakers mix up. The speaker implies; the listener infers.
Study Cards
Read the word, look at the picture, and say the example sentence.
Quick Practice
Choose the word that completes the sentence.
1 of 2
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Flashcards
Look at the picture first, then tap the card to check the word.
Spaced Review
Review cards today, then let the queue bring them back later.
Test Yourself: Infer
Choose an answer to see your feedback immediately. Your first answer counts towards your score.
1. From the empty plates, we ______ that the guests had enjoyed the meal.
2. Which word means “to work something out from clues”?
3. Readers must ______ the meaning from the context.
4. Who does the inferring?
5. From the data, analysts ______ that demand will grow.
Other Imply vs Infer to Learn
Pick another word from this lesson — small steps add up fast.
Keep Going — One Word, Many Wins
You just learned infer — the skill of reading between the lines. Together with imply, you now own one of the trickiest pairs in English.
Use the examples above to practise this pattern. When you are ready, choose your next topic below.
Choose Your Next Topic
This path ends here. Choose another C1 lesson from the collection when you are ready for a new topic.
Related Lesson for Review: Imply — C1 Vocabulary
I’m Khamis Maiouf. I’m studying Health and Social Care and have completed Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Level 3 Hairdressing. I have taught ESOL in my community and helped students with GCSE English. I run English Teacher Site to help people learn and practise English.