Implication facts for kids

Implication is a fancy word for when something suggests or hints at another thing, without actually saying it directly. It's like when you give a clue instead of the full answer.

There are two main ways we use the word "implication":

Implication in Everyday Talk

When we talk about "implication" in everyday language, it means something is suggested or hinted at. It's like reading between the lines.

What Does it Mean?

This type of implication happens when someone says something, and you understand that they mean more than just the words they used. It's a way of communicating without being super direct.

Examples of Everyday Implication

• If your friend says, "I'm really tired," the implication might be that they want to go home or stop playing. They didn't say "I want to go home," but their tiredness suggests it.
• If a teacher says, "Your homework is due tomorrow, and it's a big part of your grade," the implication is that you should really work on it tonight!
• When a politician says, "We need to make our city safer for everyone," the implication is that they believe the city isn't safe enough right now. They don't have to say "Our city is unsafe," but their words suggest it.

This kind of implication is very common in how people talk and write. It helps us understand hidden meanings or suggestions.

Implication in Logic

In logic, "implication" is much more strict and formal. It's about what absolutely must be true if certain other things are true. It's like a rule that connects ideas.

How Does it Work?

In logic, implication is often used with "if...then" statements. If one thing (the "if" part) is true, then another thing (the "then" part) must also be true.

Understanding Syllogisms

A common way to see logical implication is in something called a syllogism. A syllogism is a type of logical argument that has three parts:

• A general statement (a rule).
• A specific example that fits the rule.
• A conclusion that logically follows from the first two.

The conclusion is the implication.

Examples of Logical Implication

• Rule: If all birds have feathers.
• Specific Example: And a robin is a bird.
• Implication (Conclusion): Then a robin must have feathers.

Here's another one:

• Rule: If all humans are mortal (meaning they will eventually die).
• Specific Example: And Aristotle was a human.
• Implication (Conclusion): Then Aristotle was mortal.

In logic, the implication is not just a suggestion; it's a definite truth that comes from the statements before it. It's used in very precise systems, like in computer programming or advanced mathematics, where things need to be absolutely clear and follow strict rules.