Imply

When you imply, you hint at something rather than saying it directly. Imply comes from an Old French word that meant “to enfold.” You can think of an implied statement as hidden or folded into what was actually said. For example, a writer can imply that a character is the murderer without saying it directly.

Writers or speakers imply. Listeners or readers infer.

Infer

When you infer, you deduce some meaning that was left unsaid. Infer comes from a Latin word that means “to bring in.” You can think of readers or listeners using their own interpretation to bring a meaning that isn’t explicitly stated into a sentence. For example, a reader who sees that a character has motive and opportunity may infer that the character is the murderer.

The incorrect use of infer to mean imply is so common that in a decade or so it may be considered standard, but for now, careful writers and speakers continue to make a distinction.

– See more at: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/imply-versus-infer#sthash.JW0VYrfS.dpuf

Restrictive Clause—That

A restrictive clause is just part of a sentence that you can’t get rid of because it specifically restricts some other part of the sentence. Here’s an example:

• Gems that sparkle often elicit forgiveness.

The words that sparkle restrict the kind of gems you’re talking about. Without them, the meaning of the sentence would change. Without them, you’d be saying that all gems elicit forgiveness, not just the gems that sparkle. (And note that you don’t need commas around the words that sparkle.)

– See more at: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/which-versus-that-0#sthash.jFazKbkI.dpuf

Restrictive Clause—That

A restrictive clause is just part of a sentence that you can’t get rid of because it specifically restricts some other part of the sentence. Here’s an example:

• Gems that sparkle often elicit forgiveness.

The words that sparkle restrict the kind of gems you’re talking about. Without them, the meaning of the sentence would change. Without them, you’d be saying that all gems elicit forgiveness, not just the gems that sparkle. (And note that you don’t need commas around the words that sparkle.)

Nonrestrictive Clause—Which

A nonrestrictive clause is something that can be left off without changing the meaning of the sentence. You can think of a nonrestrictive clause as simply additional information. Here’s an example:

• Diamonds, which are expensive, often elicit forgiveness.

– See more at: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/which-versus-that-0#sthash.jFazKbkI.dpuf

Restrictive Clause—That

A restrictive clause is just part of a sentence that you can’t get rid of because it specifically restricts some other part of the sentence. Here’s an example:

• Gems that sparkle often elicit forgiveness.

The words that sparkle restrict the kind of gems you’re talking about. Without them, the meaning of the sentence would change. Without them, you’d be saying that all gems elicit forgiveness, not just the gems that sparkle. (And note that you don’t need commas around the words that sparkle.)

Nonrestrictive Clause—Which

A nonrestrictive clause is something that can be left off without changing the meaning of the sentence. You can think of a nonrestrictive clause as simply additional information. Here’s an example:

• Diamonds, which are expensive, often elicit forgiveness.

– See more at: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/which-versus-that-0#sthash.jFazKbkI.dpuf