by inference

USAGE SUMMARY

"by inference" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are conjecturing or trying to draw a conclusion from facts or information provided. For example, "By inference, we can assume that the project is not going as well as originally planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— a remorseless punisher; by inference, possibly immortal.

The New York Times - Books

This is by inference, by magic, grandmotherhood.

The New York Times

More often, the advocates calculate their progress by inference.

The New York Times

By inference, then, the ideal is presumably working-class.

The Guardian - Opinion

We learnt little about him except by inference.

The Guardian - Film

He, and by inference the government, are instinctively anti-bike.

The Guardian

Indeed, measurement by inference is particularly characteristic of psychology.

Britannica

We know another person's mental states only by inference.

University of California, Berkeley

Rush did not hesitate to mock Obama as inauthentic and, by inference, insufficiently black.

The New Yorker

Moreover, she said, the NBC News branding makes "a promise by inference" of potential jobs.

The New York Times

Yet the power of the tree, even by inference, seemed palpable.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by inference", ensure the connection between the evidence and the conclusion is clear and logical. Avoid making leaps that the reader cannot easily follow.

Common error

Avoid using "by inference" when the conclusion is directly stated or obvious. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted. Opt for more direct language when the link is clear without requiring significant interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by inference" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that a conclusion or understanding is derived indirectly, rather than stated explicitly. Ludwig's examples show this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by inference" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates a conclusion drawn from indirect evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal writing across various domains, including news, science, and academia. While simpler alternatives exist, "by inference" offers precision and analytical depth when describing reasoned conclusions. Be mindful of overuse and ensure the logical connection is clear. Remember, as evidenced by the analyzed sources, the phrase signals careful reasoning, making it a valuable tool for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by implication

Focuses on what is suggested without being explicitly stated; emphasizes the indirect nature of the meaning.

by deduction

Implies a more logical and certain conclusion based on available evidence.

inferentially

Adverbial form directly relating to the act of inferring.

by logical extension

Highlights the reasoning process involved in reaching the conclusion.

drawing the conclusion that

More verbose and explicitly states the act of forming a conclusion.

it can be inferred that

Formal and emphasizes the possibility of drawing the stated conclusion.

on the basis of available data

Highlights the factual grounds on which the conclusion is based.

extrapolating from

Suggests extending existing trends or data to form a conclusion.

by reasoned analysis

Emphasizes rational and thoughtful consideration leading to the conclusion.

as a corollary

Indicates that the conclusion is a direct and natural consequence of something else.

FAQs

How can I use "by inference" in a sentence?

Use "by inference" to show a conclusion you've reached based on available, but indirect, evidence. For example: "The suspect's silence, /s/by+inference, suggested guilt.

What's a simpler way to say "by inference"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "implicitly", "suggesting that", or "it seems likely that" as simpler alternatives to "by inference".

How does "by inference" differ from "by implication"?

"By implication" focuses on what's suggested but not explicitly stated, while "/s/by+inference" emphasizes the process of drawing a conclusion based on that implied meaning.

Is it always appropriate to use "by inference" in formal writing?

Yes, "by inference" is suitable for formal writing when you need to show that you're drawing a conclusion from indirect evidence in a reasoned and analytical manner. However, ensure the connection is clear to the reader.