It's not uncommon for some people
To misuse the words INFER and IMPLY.
I don't know if I can clearly
Explain the difference, but I will try.

When we want to IMPLY something,
We have a point that we want to convey;
However, we merely hint at it.
We're NOT direct in what we say.

You say, "Your pants are getting tighter."
There's SOMETHING there that you have IMPLIED:
The implication that I am gaining
Weight cannot be denied.

Of course, that's a case that is
Extremely sensitive despite
Whether you merely HINT that I
Am getting fat or say it OUTRIGHT.

I say, "I can INFER from what
You're saying that I am putting on pounds."
You say, "No, I meant that maybe
Your pants have shrunk, strange as it sounds."

(That's what we call an attempt at a save--
At times it will work, at times it won't.
Here's my advice in case you want
To IMPLY a sensitive matter: DON'T!

But there is a chance that you might intend
To be mean or rude in what you're implying.
Among politicians such
Tactics are intensifying.)

INFER means to draw a conclusion
Based on someone's hint or suggestion,
Whether it's put in the form of a statement
Or even more subtly posed as a question.

Therefore, you can INFER a meaning
From something that I have IMPLIED to you.
You might INFER that I like sharing
Grammar and usage. Yes, that's true.

-by Bob B (10-10-21)