Implicit vs.

Explicit: Whats the

Difference?
There are many words in English that despite having very similar sounds have
completely different meanings. This can lead to confusion and usage problems
for native and non-native speakers alike, and the words implicit vs. explicit are no
exception to this.

These two words have almost opposite meanings but are regularly confused
because of their similar sound. Since they do have such different meanings, you
want to be sure youre using the right one. In this post, I want to go over the
definitions of these words, explain their differences, and have you take a quiz on
their meanings.

After reading this post, you wont ever again ask yourself the question, Is it
explicit or implicit?

When to Use Implicit

The definition of implicit is, implied or

understood though not plainly or directly expressed. Something is, therefore,
implicit when it is not directly stated but is either suggested in the wording or
necessary to effectuate the purpose. For example,

There is a morality implicit in his writings.

She implicitly said she likes white shoes by saying she likes all colors but
tan.
In the first example, the writer may not have clearly or directly laid out a moral
vision, but it is understood through the characters, their actions, and their
experiences.

In the second example, the woman states that she likes all shoe colors but tan.
While she doesnt directly say she likes white shoes, she implicitly does because
white is not tan.

When to Use Explicit

The definition of explicit is, to fully and clearly express something, leaving
nothing implied. Something is explicit when it is cleared stated and spelled out
and there is no room for confusion, as in the writing of a contract or statute. For
example,

The law was explicit in whose tax rates were to be raised.

He said explicitly, you will not attend that concert.
In both of these examples, the word explicit is used to demonstrate something
that has been clearly and unambiguously expressed or stated. There is no room
for doubt because everything is clearly and directly communicated.

This is what separates these two words. Something is implicit when it is

implied but not directly stated. Something is explicit when it is directly stated and
leaves no room for uncertainty.
Quiz and Sentence Examples
1. The speakers intentions were not made ______.
2. The students found an ______ political statement in their teachers
remarks.
3. Let me be ______, I do not support this.
4. We have not finalized the decision, but have an ______ agreement.
Display the answers below.
Tricks to Remember
Here is a handy trick to remember the difference between these words.
Remember this and you wont ever fall short when thinking, Is it implicit or
explicit?

A good way to keep explicit vs implicit apart is to remember that Implicit is

an Implied or Indirect statement. Both of these start with the letter I.
Explicit starts with an E and is Spelled Out, so there is no confusion.
Summary
Implicit and explicit have near opposite meanings, so its important to remember
their difference.

Implicit is indirectly stated or implied.

Explicit is directly stated and spelled out.
If you have any other questions about commonly misused English words, feel
free to check out our other posts on affect/effect, principal/principle, and
countless others.
Answers
1. Explicit
2. Implicit
3. Explicit
4. Implicit

An ELT Glossary : Transactional and Interactional Functions of

Language

Brown and Yule (1983) suggest that language has two main functions : interactional and transcational.
The interactional function is concerned with the maintenance of social relationships for example, if
two people pass in the street and say ...

A : Hi, all right?

B: Yeah, fine thanks.

... the function of the exchange is purely interactional - it serves only as an acknowledgement of the
relationship, and the answer is conventional - it may not even actually be true.

Transactional discourse, on the other hand, is concerned with the transmission of information. If at the
greengrocers I say ..

A: Two pounds of cherry tomatoes.

... it is important that I transmit, and the greengrocer understands, the information accurately : so
that for instance I don't end up with three kilos of plum tomatoes. If the greengrocer has any doubts
he might ask for further information

A: Two pounds of cherry tomatoes.

B : These ones, or the ones next to the potatoes?
A: The ones next to the potatoes
B : That's 5

Most language is, of course, not wholly transactional or interactional but a mix of both, and for this
reason Brown and Yule (ibid) suggest that exchanges are generally better described
as primarily transactional or interactional. Social chat will contain some information - eg if I'm telling
you about my last holiday - but it remains primarily interactional in terms of its function. It doesn't
really matter if you don't retain the details. And transactional exchanges will often be interspersed
with elements which are there to serve an interactional function. Compare the exchange above with :

A : Good morning. Can I have two pounds of cherry tomatoes.

B : Would you like these ones, or the ones next to the potatoes?
A: The ones next to the potatoes please.
B: Here you are. That's 5 please.
A: Thank you.

None of the underlined elements are essential for the transmission of information, even though the
exchange remains primarily transactional. They serve an interactional function.