Make inferences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Make inferences" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of drawing conclusions or interpretations based on evidence or reasoning. Example: "After analyzing the data, we can make inferences about the trends in consumer behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"When we don't remember, we make inferences," Dr. Tversky said.

The New York Times - Health

"You can't make inferences about teaching and learning based on one year's performance alone".

The New York Times

There is no official ending but you can make inferences as to how it ends.

The Guardian

This is enough, he said, to make inferences about the overall trends in sea ice cover.

The Guardian

The process of using a sample to make inferences about a population is called statistical inference.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The results from the strata are then aggregated to make inferences about the population.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This permits us, therefore, to make inferences about his judgment and character, good or bad".

The New York Times

Men also make inferences about women based on the colour of their hair.

Independent

The more tissue samples, the more we can make inferences from the data.

The New York Times

Add evolution — and it becomes possible to make inferences and predictions and (sometimes) to do experiments to test those predictions.

The New York Times

He said that while investigators did not know the motive, people could make "inferences from where [the shooting] took place".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing analytically, use "make inferences" to demonstrate you are drawing conclusions based on available evidence and logical reasoning. This adds credibility to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "make inferences" when you are simply assuming something without sufficient evidence. Inferences should be based on logical reasoning and supporting data, while assumptions are often based on personal beliefs or hunches.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make inferences" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action performed by a subject. It signifies the process of drawing conclusions based on reasoning and evidence. This aligns with Ludwig AI's analysis and the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make inferences" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It denotes the process of drawing conclusions based on evidence and logical reasoning. This phrase is particularly common in academic, scientific, and analytical writing, as indicated by its prevalence in sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Encyclopedia Britannica. While alternatives such as "draw conclusions" or "reach deductions" exist, understanding the subtle differences in connotation is crucial for precise communication. Remember to ground your inferences in solid evidence rather than relying on unsubstantiated assumptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Draw conclusions

Emphasizes the act of reaching a final judgment or decision based on reasoning.

Infer information

Focuses on deducing knowledge from given data or evidence.

Reach deductions

Focuses on arriving at a conclusion through logical reasoning and evidence.

Make deductions

Focuses on the act of reaching a conclusion through logical reasoning.

Formulate judgments

Highlights the process of creating an opinion or assessment after careful consideration.

Interpret results

Stresses the process of explaining the meaning and significance of findings.

Derive insights

Implies extracting deeper understanding or knowledge from available information.

Extrapolate data

Suggests projecting trends or information beyond what is directly known.

Develop estimates

Emphasizes creating approximate calculations or assessments based on limited data.

Ascertain facts

Highlights the process of establishing or confirming the truth of something.

FAQs

How can I use "make inferences" in a sentence?

You can use "make inferences" to describe the process of drawing conclusions based on evidence. For example, "By analyzing the data, we can "make inferences" about customer behavior".

What's a good alternative to "make inferences"?

Alternatives to "make inferences" include "draw conclusions", "reach deductions", or "formulate judgments". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to "make inferences" or "draw conclusions"?

Both "make inferences" and "draw conclusions" are correct and often interchangeable. However, "make inferences" emphasizes the process of reasoning from evidence, while "draw conclusions" focuses on the final judgment.

What is the difference between "make inferences" and "make assumptions"?

"Make inferences" involves drawing conclusions based on evidence and logical reasoning, while "make assumptions" involves accepting something as true without proof. It's crucial to distinguish between the two for clear and accurate communication.