When a person doesn’t clearly state a conclusion, he or she is implying the conclusion. By implying something, a person usually wants the other person to figure out what they are trying to say on their own. When a person concludes that an unstated claim is the conclusion, he or she is inferring that claim. Both inferring and implying are risky because it is very easy to misinterpret and ultimately misunderstand.
Example:
Bill is starving and his friend Bob is eating a big delicious burger. Bill cries out “I am starving!!” Bob might think that Bill is trying to imply that he wants to have some of his burger. Bob will then infer that Bill wants him to share. When in actuality, Bill is just sharing his feelings at the moment and has a pizza on the way.
I think it is important to clearly offer conclusions and state what you really want so that people don’t have to assume or guess at what you are trying to say/imply.
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