I'm not wumming, mate, never do. But this particular grammatical error always winds me up. A word can't 'infer' anything. 'Infer' is what a listener does when presented with a hint.
No, I do not believe I used the word incorrectly. To "imply" is to suggest, but it is a nonsense to say that the use of "learned" over "learnt" is capable of implying meaning. Either word can be used, which is a fact. There is no suggestion about it. The reader my infer that from my usage of either word. I have not made any grammatical gaffs.
That isn't what I objected to. You wrote. "Notice the use of the words "generally" and "prefer." That will provide you with a vital clue. Neither infers any kind of prescription in usage." The 'neither' obviously refers to 'generally' and 'prefer'. Those words don't infer anything. They can't because infer is something a person does when reading or listening. I can see why you don't agree with my suggestion that you meant 'imply' as that word isn't quite strong enough. But 'infer' is definitely wrong. Sorry.
Ah, I see where you are coming from. Yes, in reference to the dictionary's use of "generally" and "prefer," that is more to imply than to infer. I am big enough to admit that I was wrong, on that one occasion.
