What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inferred
Example
From the tone of her voice, I inferred that she was upset. [inferred: verb]
Example
The article didn't explicitly state it, but it could be inferred that the company was in financial trouble. [inferred: past participle]
suggested
Example
She suggested we go to the beach for the weekend. [suggested: verb]
Example
The tone of his voice suggested that he was not happy with the decision. [suggested: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Suggested is more commonly used than inferred in everyday language. Suggested is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while inferred is less common and is often used in academic or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inferred and suggested?
Inferred is typically associated with a more formal tone, while suggested is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.