Understanding Implied Meaning Flashcards

After a colleague hands in a long project report, their manager says: "Well, it's certainly thorough, I'll give you that." What is the manager most likely suggesting?

Answer: The report has some value, but the manager has reservations about it, possibly that it is too long or unfocused.

"I'll give you that" admits one positive point while hinting that there are other problems. Praising only how thorough the report is, and nothing else, suggests the manager has concerns, most likely about length or focus. This kind of reluctant, limited praise is a common way to criticise politely in English.

A: "Did the new trainees all pass the safety assessment?" B: "Jenkins did." What does B's reply most strongly imply?

Answer: B can only confirm that Jenkins passed, which suggests some or all of the others did not pass.

A asked about all of the trainees. B names only one person. If everyone had passed, B would simply have said "yes". By saying less than the question asked for, B implies the answer for the rest of the group is negative or uncertain.

A: "So, what did you make of Daniel's new business partner?" B: "She had lovely handwriting." What is B most likely implying?

Answer: B doesn't have a favourable opinion of the partner and is avoiding saying so directly.

A asks for an overall opinion of a business partner. B answers with a compliment about something completely unimportant. Picking such a minor positive detail suggests B couldn't find anything meaningful to praise, so B is politely avoiding a negative judgement.

A senior analyst says to a junior colleague just before a board meeting: "You might want to have another look at the figures on page four before this goes out." What does the analyst most likely mean?

Answer: The analyst has probably spotted an error on page four and wants it corrected.

"You might want to..." sounds like a suggestion, but from a senior person it often works as a polite instruction. Pointing to one specific page right before an important meeting strongly suggests a mistake has been noticed there. Option C takes the words literally and misses the urgency.

A job applicant receives an email that begins: "Thank you for your interest in the position. We were genuinely impressed by the exceptionally high calibre of applicants this year..." What is the applicant most likely to conclude?

Answer: The email is probably about to say that their application was unsuccessful.

Praising the strength of the other applicants is a standard way to soften bad news in formal English. It prepares the reader for a rejection by suggesting the competition was very strong. A job offer would normally get to the good news straight away.

A: "Is that new restaurant on the harbour any good?" B: "Well... it's very popular with tourists." What is B most likely suggesting?

Answer: B doesn't really recommend the restaurant. It may be overpriced or not very good.

A asks whether the food is good. B talks about who eats there instead. The hesitation ("Well...") and the avoidance of the actual question suggest a negative opinion. B also hints that the place relies on visitors who don't know better, not on its quality. Option C is a possible literal reading but misses what B is really saying.