What Is Inference?

To "imply" and to "infer" have a hand-in-glove relationship - like to throw and to catch.

When we "imply" we are hinting at something.

When we "infer", we are making an educated (or informed) guess. The speaker/writer does the implying, and the listener/reader (or watcher or "smeller"!!) does the inferring.

"Inference" is the process of arriving at a logical conclusion by analysing available information and applying existing knowledge, beliefs, and so on. You - almost certainly - infer every day. For example, if you see someone smelling something and they screw up their face, you would probably infer that person does not like it.

When it comes to literature/texts inference is all about figuring out the intended meaning of the text - what is the authorial intent? What is the author trying to say (or teach us) - without actually coming straight out and saying it?! Authors don't always give us all the information they want you to get from their writing - certainly not in plain black and white (i.e. the words they write). It is not uncommon for authors to want you to do some work!!!

Authors often want their readers to engage with the text, and apply their background/general knowledge and their understanding of the world to read between the lines and reach conclusions about the text and the message they, the author, is trying to get the reader to figure out.

When making inferences, you are looking beyond what is written directly in the text. You are trying to figure out conclusions about which the author only hints.

The inference process requires of the you to be a more active reader and critical thinker. It also makes it easier to understand what the author is trying to communicate with you.