I surmised that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I surmised that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a conclusion or assumption based on available information or evidence. Example: "After reviewing the data, I surmised that the project would be completed ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

I surmised that she was severely dehydrated.

The New York Times

But it is not just his music, I surmised, that Abramović finds so compelling.

The New Yorker

I surmised that she might be vulnerable and ran my own race.

The Guardian - Sport

I surmised that it was a new skyscraper, still skeletal at the top, that somehow had been ignited by accident.

The New York Times

I surmised that a big chunk of those sales had to come from my fellow baby boomers.

The New York Times

I surmised that AIDS was a possible subject but wondered where Mr. Kim's unsettled work might be heading.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

I surmise that Portantino wants to keep his developer buddies happy while he mulls his future after Sacramento.

Los Angeles Times

I surmise that I am also older than most of the other injured men.

The New York Times

I surmise that what it was like to be someone besides himself bewildered Bazille.

The New Yorker

"I surmise that it has to do with the whole Clinton era," he said.

The New York Times

"Like my throat, my brain requires lubrication, and I surmise that you may be about to provide it".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, follow "I surmised that" with a clear and concise statement of your conclusion, avoiding ambiguity in your explanation.

Common error

Avoid presenting a surmise as an absolute fact. Instead, acknowledge it as an educated guess based on available evidence by employing verbs such as "might", "may", or "could" to express uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I surmised that" functions as a declarative statement introducing a conclusion or inference. Ludwig's examples showcase how this phrase prefaces an explanation or deduction derived from a particular context or observation. This introductory function sets the stage for the subsequent explanation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I surmised that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a conclusion or inference drawn from available information. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness is confirmed. The phrase frequently appears in news and media contexts, with a considerable presence in academic settings as well. It is essential to use this phrase when expressing a reasoned deduction, ensuring that the context supports the conclusion being presented. While acceptable in formal writing, alternatives like "I inferred that" or "I deduced that" may offer slightly different nuances depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I inferred that

Focuses on drawing a conclusion from evidence or reasoning. The nuance shifts slightly to a more logical deduction.

I deduced that

Implies reaching a conclusion through logical reasoning and deduction, often from specific premises.

I concluded that

Highlights the end result of a reasoning process, emphasizing a definitive judgment.

I reasoned that

Highlights the logical thought process leading to a conclusion, emphasizing the use of reason.

I gathered that

Indicates collecting information from various sources to form an understanding. Emphasizes accumulation of data.

I presumed that

Indicates believing something to be true based on probability or likelihood, often without direct evidence.

I assumed that

Suggests taking something for granted without concrete proof, implying a degree of uncertainty.

I understood that

Focuses on gaining comprehension or insight, emphasizing a clear grasp of the situation or information.

I figured that

Suggests reaching a conclusion through informal reasoning or intuition, implying a less rigorous approach.

I speculated that

Implies forming a theory or conjecture without firm evidence, suggesting a more tentative conclusion.

FAQs

How to use "I surmised that" in a sentence?

Use "I surmised that" to introduce a conclusion you've reached based on the information available to you. For example, "After observing the empty shelves, "I surmised that" the store was about to close".

What can I say instead of "I surmised that"?

You can use alternatives like "I inferred that", "I deduced that", or "I concluded that" depending on the context and the level of certainty you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "I surmised that" in formal writing?

Yes, "I surmised that" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to express a conclusion based on observation or reasoning. It conveys a sense of thoughtful deduction. In some cases however I deduced that might be a better fit.

What's the difference between "I surmised that" and "I assumed that"?

""I surmised that"" implies a conclusion reached through some degree of reasoning or observation, while "I assumed that" suggests taking something for granted without concrete evidence. The former is more considered, the latter more presumptive.