Grammar Has a Laugh

Imply or Infer?

To imply is to hint at something without directly saying it. To infer is to figure out something that has not been directly said.

Imagine Peter looks longingly at the last slice of pizza and asks, “Are you going to eat that?” You might INFER that he wants that slice. And it’s true: He is IMPLYING that he wants it!

It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what language you speak. Everyone understands laughter. In fact, laughter is kind of its own language. It can imply/infer everything from nervousness to extreme joy. Most often, though, you can imply/infer that when people laugh, they are happy or amused.

Humans are not the only creatures that crack up. When an ape is tickled, it produces a laugh-like sound—though it’s more of a pant-pant-pant than a ha-ha-ha. Some scientists believe that dogs, rats, and dolphins laugh too. So is it safe to imply/infer that animals have a sense of humor? Scientists are still working on the answer to that question In the meantime, you could tell your hamster a joke and see what happens.

Ever heard the saying “Laughter is the best medicine”? As the saying implies/infers, laughing is good for us. Whether we’re chuckling over a silly meme or giggling at a movie, laughing improves our health and well-being. Studies show that laughing can help us cope during tough times and lift our spirits when we’re feeling gloomy. Sharing a laugh can deepen friendships too. And the American Heart Association recommends laughing regularly to keep our hearts healthy. So get out there and guffaw! Or snort. Or chortle. Or cackle. We don’t mean to imply/infer that one kind of laughter is better than any other!