Imply vs Infer

Again some of the best copy for the blog comes from my inquisitive students.

All of a sudden last week, one asks: ''What's the difference between imply and infer?''

These words are often confused, but there is a key distinction.

Imply - to suggest
Ex. When the mayor refused to rule out more taxes, he implied more taxes are possible.

Infer - to draw a conclusion
Ex. Jack inferred from his boss' loud tone that he was angry.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Historic vs Historical - What's the difference?

Sometimes as a native teacher it is difficult to explain  to a student an idea or concept that you feel naturally.

So was the case of historic vs. historical. What's the difference?

Hat tips to Grammar Girl and Grammar Monster:

Well, both are adjectives, but their sameness diverges there.

Historic: used to describe something momentous or influential in history

Ex: 9/11 was a historic event in US history.

Historical: generally means ''from the past'' or ''relating to history,'' momentous or not

Ex: The US Constitution is a historical document.

Bonus: Notice the indefinite article ''a'' is used instead of ''an.''

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

Assurance vs Insurance

In my IELTS class last Saturday, one of my students asked about the use of ''assurance.''

There was confusion with ''insurance.''

Well, assurance signifies certainty and positively telling someone in order to eliminate any doubts.

Ex. You have my assurance the report will be delivered on time. 

Insurance, of course, is protecting someone or something against a possible happening or event.

Ex: We bought insurance against floods again this year.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!