can be inferred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be inferred" is correct and it can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you would like to express that something has been derived or deduced from evidence that is not explicitly stated. For example, "From her behavior, it can be inferred that she is uncomfortable with the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What can be inferred from the find?

Independent

But Mr. McNamara's views can be inferred from the film.

The New York Times

Our size and dexterity can be inferred from their scale.

The Guardian

Economic growth rates can be inferred from electricity consumption.

The New York Times

The profile of the defects can be inferred approximately.

NDT & E International

So little can be inferred from his selection.

The Economist

Just how lenient can be inferred from the growth in earnings restatements in recent years.

The New York Times - Magazine

A lot can be inferred from musical tastes that could be extremely valuable to advertisers.

The Guardian - Tech

An even better reason can be inferred from the mini-series.

The New York Times

Ceratosaur behaviour can be inferred from several studies on anatomy4,40,48 and biomechanics8,9,66.

Nature

However the arrangement of the protomers in the LRRK2 and LRRK1 dimers can be inferred indirectly.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be inferred" to express deductions or conclusions drawn from indirect evidence or implicit information. Be sure the connection between the evidence and the inference is logical and clear to the reader.

Common error

Avoid presenting an inference derived using "can be inferred" as an absolute certainty. Always acknowledge that inferences are interpretations based on available information, not necessarily definitive truths.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be inferred" functions as a passive construction, indicating the possibility of drawing a conclusion or making a deduction from available information. Ludwig AI affirms this usage, highlighting its correctness in expressing derivations from non-explicitly stated evidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be inferred" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in scientific, academic, and journalistic writing. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys that something is deducible or understandable from the available information, even if it is not explicitly stated. It’s important to use this phrase to introduce conclusions that are logically derived from the given context, while avoiding overstating these inferences as absolute facts. Related phrases, such as "can be deduced" or "can be concluded", offer subtle variations in emphasis. While widely accepted, remember that inferences are interpretations and not definitive truths.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be deduced

Emphasizes a logical conclusion based on evidence, often implying a more definitive inference.

can be concluded

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

can be understood

Focuses on the comprehensibility of something, implying that it's possible to grasp the meaning.

can be determined

Suggests that something can be found out or established through investigation.

can be gathered

Implies collecting information from various sources to form an understanding.

can be assumed

Indicates a belief that something is true, often without concrete proof.

can be gleaned

Suggests extracting information in small amounts, often with effort.

can be derived

Focuses on obtaining something from a source, often through a specific process or method.

can be speculated

Highlights the act of forming a theory or conjecture about something without firm evidence.

can be hypothesized

Implies forming a testable proposition or explanation for something.

FAQs

How can I use "can be inferred" in a sentence?

Use "can be inferred" when you want to indicate that something is suggested or deduced from available information, rather than explicitly stated. For instance, "From the data, it "can be inferred" that the policy had a negative impact."

What are some alternatives to using "can be inferred"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "can be deduced", "can be concluded", or "can be understood". These phrases convey similar meanings but may emphasize different aspects of deriving information.

Is it correct to say "can infer" instead of "can be inferred"?

While "can infer" is grammatically correct, it implies the ability to perform the act of inferring. "Can be inferred" suggests that something is capable of being inferred by someone or something. The choice depends on whether you're focusing on the act or the possibility of drawing a conclusion.

What's the difference between "can be inferred" and "is implied"?

"Can be inferred" means that a conclusion can be logically drawn from the information available. "Is implied" means that something is suggested without being directly expressed. While related, "can be inferred" focuses on the deduction process, while "is implied" focuses on the suggestion itself.