If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

Main content

Understanding what's implied | Reading

Implicit meanings include information that a reader can infer based on the text. This means things that aren't actually said, but that a reader can still understand.

What is implied?

Sometimes we can get information from a text by "connecting the dots". An idea that isn't actually stated can be implied when something we read includes all the right clues.
This type of detective work is called making inferences. Inferences are the predictions we can make and conclusions we can draw based on what we read.
The types of inferences we can make depend on what type of text we're reading.
Informational texts are non-fiction. They provide facts and explanations about different topics. When reading informational texts, we might be able to make inferences about causes and effects, predict scientific conclusions, or tell the difference between facts and opinions.
Literary texts are usually fiction. They tell stories in a way that explores characters and their emotions. When reading literary texts, we might be able to make inferences about how a character feels or predict what might happen next in the story.
Let's look at an example of each!

Informational text

Let's read the following informational text:
One unusual invention that has recently made headlines is the “Seabin,” which was designed to help clean up trash from the ocean. The Seabin works like a vacuum cleaner, sucking in water and filtering out the garbage. This invention is really important because ocean pollution is a huge problem, and can be harmful to marine life. The Seabin isn’t the only solution to this problem, but it could make a big difference if it’s used around the world.
What is implied? What can we infer?
This paragraph tells us a few basic facts about the "Seabin", but we can use those facts to infer a piece of information that isn't mentioned! Let's try:
The inventor of the Seabin cares about the environment. We're not told about the inventor of the Seabin, but since we're told that the Seabin helps fight pollution, we can infer that the creator of the Seabin was likely motivated by their care for the environment.

Literary text

Let's read the following literary text:
It was a dreary, rainy morning and Chloe stood at the bus stop, waiting for the bus to arrive. The yellow slicker she wore was barely keeping her dry, and she shivered as the wind picked up. Chloe checked her watch every few minutes, even though she knew the bus wouldn't be coming any faster. She tapped her foot impatiently, but when the bus finally turned the corner, an uncomfortable feeling started to claw at her stomach. Today was not going to be easy.
What is implied? What can we infer?
This paragraph describes Chloe waiting for the bus, but we can use that description to infer information that isn't mentioned! Let's try:
Chloe is nervous. By describing how Chloe acts while she's waiting, the text tells us more about Chloe as a character: she's waiting impatiently, but when the bus arrives she starts to feel uncomfortable. The last sentence foreshadows something scary or difficult that she may have to face that day. Together, these things suggest that Chloe is nervous.

Want to join the conversation?