Which term refers to phrases that require the listener to make assumptions about what probably happened?

The term that refers to phrases that require the listener to make assumptions about what probably happened is "Implied Action." This concept is important in both literature and everyday communication, as it relies on the reader or listener to engage actively with the text or dialogue. Implied action signifies that the specifics of what has transpired are not directly articulated, thereby inviting interpretation based on context or prior knowledge.

For instance, if a character enters a room and finds it in disarray, the reader might infer that a struggle or a chaotic event has occurred without it being explicitly stated. This engagement enriches the narrative by allowing layers of meaning to unfold and encouraging deeper involvement from the audience.

Other options like direct action and consequential action relate to explicit or clear events or outcomes rather than the nuanced assumptions required in implied action. Inferred action typically suggests an interpretation made based on clues, but it doesn't quite capture the essence of the assumptions that come from a lack of direct information that defines implied action.