{"id":52459,"date":"2019-07-11T20:28:15","date_gmt":"2019-07-11T20:28:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/?page_id=52459"},"modified":"2026-03-26T09:34:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T14:34:55","slug":"explicit-and-implicit-information","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/explicit-and-implicit-information\/","title":{"rendered":"Explicit and Implicit Information"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t\t<div id=\"mmDeferVideoEncompass_u7ylMflGKY4\" style=\"position: relative;\">\n\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\">\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> \n\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" id=\"videoThumbnailImage_u7ylMflGKY4\" data-source-videoID=\"u7ylMflGKY4\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" alt=\"Explicit and Implicit Information Video\" height=\"464\" width=\"825\" class=\"size-full\" data-matomo-title = \"Explicit and Implicit Information\">\n\t\t\t<\/picture>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<style>img#videoThumbnailImage_u7ylMflGKY4:hover {cursor:pointer;} img#videoThumbnailImage_u7ylMflGKY4 {background-size:contain;background-image:url(\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/569-explicit-and-implicit-information-1.webp\");}<\/style>\n\t\t\t<script defer>\n\t\t\t  jQuery(\"img#videoThumbnailImage_u7ylMflGKY4\").click(function() {\n\t\t\t\tlet videoId = jQuery(this).attr(\"data-source-videoID\");\n\t\t\t\tlet helpTag = '<div id=\"mmDeferVideoYTMessage_u7ylMflGKY4\" style=\"display: none;position: absolute;top: -24px;width: 100%;text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;font-size: small;border-top: 1px solid #fc0;\">Having trouble? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v='+videoId+'\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to watch on YouTube.<\/a><\/span><\/div>';\n\t\t\t\tlet tag = document.createElement(\"iframe\");\n\t\t\t\ttag.id = \"yt\" + videoId;\n\t\t\t\ttag.src = \"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/\" + videoId + \"?autoplay=1&controls=1&wmode=opaque&rel=0&egm=0&iv_load_policy=3&hd=0&enablejsapi=1\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.frameborder = 0;\n\t\t\t\ttag.allow = \"autoplay; fullscreen\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.width = this.width;\n\t\t\t\ttag.height = this.height;\n\t\t\t\ttag.setAttribute(\"data-matomo-title\",\"Explicit and Implicit Information\");\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_u7ylMflGKY4\").html(tag);\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_u7ylMflGKY4\").prepend(helpTag);\n\t\t\t\tsetTimeout(function(){jQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoYTMessage_u7ylMflGKY4\").css(\"display\", \"block\");}, 2000);\n\t\t\t  });\n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t<\/script>\n\t\t\n<p><script>\nfunction VLP_Function() {\n  var x = document.getElementById(\"VLP\");\n  if (x.style.display === \"none\") {\n    x.style.display = \"block\";\n  } else {\n    x.style.display = \"none\";\n  }\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"moc-toc hide-on-desktop hide-on-tablet\">\n<div><button onclick=\"VLP_Function()\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/toc2.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"show or hide table of contents\"><\/button><\/p>\n<p>On this page<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<nav id=\"VLP\" style=\"display:none;\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Explicit_Information\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Explicit Information<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Implicit_Information\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Implicit Information<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Influencing_Your_Writing\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Influencing Your Writing<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Explicit_vs_Implicit_(Definitions_Meaning)_PDF\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Explicit vs Implicit (Definitions &#038; Meaning) PDF<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion\"><input id=\"transcript\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"transcript\">Transcript<\/label><input id=\"factsheet\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"factsheet\">Fact Sheet<\/label>\n<div class=\"spoiler\" id=\"transcript-spoiler\">\n<p>In this video, we\u2019re going to talk about the difference between explicit and implicit writing. When talking about writing, <em><strong>explicit<\/strong><\/em> means something that is stated plainly, while <em><strong>implicit<\/strong><\/em> refers to something that is implied and not stated directly. <\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s start by looking at explicit information in writing.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Explicit_Information\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Explicit Information<\/h2>\n<p>\nExplicit information is clearly stated, leaving nothing implied. For example, the phrase \u201cit was a dark and stormy night,\u201d uses explicit information that leaves no room for debate. The reader cannot assume, by any stretch of the imagination, that the story is in fact taking place on a sunny morning.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s another example of explicit information from the first line of Franz Kafka\u2019s book, <em>The Metamorphosis<\/em>:<\/p>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\" style=\"text-align: left;\">As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams, he found himself transformed in his bed into a monstrous vermin.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nThe book is, in fact, about a salesman named Gregor Samsa who wakes one morning to find himself inexplicably transformed into a huge insect. Therefore, as shocking and confusing as this first sentence might be, it is still stating the information explicitly.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Implicit_Information\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Implicit Information<\/h2>\n<p>\nLet\u2019s compare that with the first line of J. M. Barrie\u2019s <em>Peter Pan<\/em>:<\/p>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">All children, except one, grow up.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nThis is an example of an implicit statement. We aren\u2019t told explicitly \u201cthere once was a boy named Peter Pan, and he magically never grew older,\u201d but we are prepared for that eventual knowledge by this implicit sentence. <\/p>\n<p>If something is implicit, it is not directly stated. The reader must understand implicit information and facts based on other clues in the text. Let\u2019s think back to our  \u201cdark and stormy night\u201d example. What if the sentence ran like this: \u201cThe trees were swaying wildly outside Anne\u2019s window as she prepared for bed, and the gutters were overflowing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Even though it\u2019s not stated directly, the reference to Anne preparing for bed leads us to believe it\u2019s nighttime, and the swaying trees and overflowing gutters are additional implicit clues that it is stormy. <\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Influencing_Your_Writing\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Influencing Your Writing<\/h2>\n<p>\nHow can the knowledge of explicit and implicit information influence your writing? <\/p>\n<p>Sometimes, stating something clearly can be the best way to make your point. This can be true in fiction, like in the Franz Kafka piece we looked at earlier, but it is especially true in essays and reports. You want to use explicit information and facts in scientific and non-fiction writing because it is clear and unmistakable. You don\u2019t want your reader to have to guess your meaning. <\/p>\n<p>Implicit information has a place as well, especially in <a class=\"ylist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/reading-fiction\/\">fiction<\/a>. You may not realize it, but you use implicit information every day to communicate. Have you ever told someone, \u201ctrash pick up is tomorrow,\u201d and really meant \u201cplease put the trash on the curb?\u201d Implicit information can help your writing seem more natural, and often be a better\u2014although more roundabout\u2014way to make your point. <\/p>\n<p>The important thing to remember when using implicit information is that the reader will be forced to guess your meaning from <a class=\"ylist\"href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/context\/\">clues in the text<\/a>. Make your clues clear, then, so as to avoid any confusion. For example, if you write that a character hisses \u201cit would be a shame if anything happened to you,\u201d your reader might assume the statement is a threat. If you intend the reader to understand a less menacing implicit meaning, you might want to rephrase your statement like this:<\/p>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">\u201cIt would be a shame if you were hurt,\u201d she said sincerely.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nI hope that this video helped you understand explicit and implicit information in your writing. See you guys next time!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"spoiler\" id=\"factsheet-spoiler\">\n<h2 style=\"text-align:center\"><span id=\"Explicit_vs_Implicit_(Definitions_Meaning)_PDF\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Explicit vs Implicit (Definitions &#038; Meaning) PDF<\/h2>\n<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"1193\" height=\"1574\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/image_2022-04-27_112218906.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"A fact sheet differentiating explicit and implicit information, providing definitions and examples. It includes definitions with examples and clarifying text on how the two differ.\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/image_2022-04-27_112218906.png 1193w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/image_2022-04-27_112218906-227x300.png 227w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/image_2022-04-27_112218906-776x1024.png 776w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/image_2022-04-27_112218906-768x1013.png 768w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/image_2022-04-27_112218906-1164x1536.png 1164w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1193px) 100vw, 1193px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"sub_categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Explicit-and-Implicit-Information.pdf\"><span id=\"Your_Explicit_vs_Implicit_PDF_Download\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Your Explicit vs Implicit PDF Download<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"home-buttons\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/writing\/\">Return to Writing Videos<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Return to Writing Videos<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":95473,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-52459","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"page_category-video-pages-for-study-course-sidebar-ad","7":"page_category-writing-videos","8":"page_type-video","9":"content_type-fact-sheet","10":"subject_matter-english"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/52459","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52459"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/52459\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":279610,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/52459\/revisions\/279610"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/95473"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52459"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}