can we infer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can we infer" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when asking if a conclusion can be drawn from the information provided. Example: "Based on the evidence presented, can we infer that the hypothesis is valid?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

With these observations, a natural question to us is: can we infer the modification of miRNA effective regulation from the expressions of their target genes?

Plosone

What else can we infer?

The Guardian - Sport

So what can we infer from all this?

The New Yorker

First, how can we infer a genetic basis for differences among people?

The New York Times

How can we infer on diabetes from large heterogeneous datasets?

Clinical and Translational Medicine

So what happened in the demo, and what can we infer from it about those proportions?

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Instead, Eagleman is interested in the limits of our own knowledge, and what we can infer from what we do not know.

The New Yorker

From the design of the system we can infer that some advantages can be achieved.

EJNMMI Physics

If we can measure how sensitive the climate was in the past, perhaps we can infer its sensitivity now.

The Guardian

From this we can infer that he receives housing benefit.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yachts but not leather-seated buses are covered by the law's intent, we can infer?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can we infer" to transition between information and a logical conclusion, making your reasoning process transparent to the reader.

Common error

Avoid presenting an inference derived from "can we infer" as an absolute fact. Clearly indicate that it is a conclusion based on the available evidence, not a definitive truth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can we infer" functions as an interrogative phrase, used to introduce a question about whether a particular conclusion can be logically drawn from given information. It seeks to establish the validity of making an inference based on available evidence, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can we infer" is a grammatically correct and commonly used interrogative phrase that prompts a question about the possibility of drawing a logical conclusion from available information. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions primarily to inquire about the validity of an inference, particularly in scientific and journalistic contexts. While generally neutral to formal, ensure that the inference is supported by clear evidence and avoid overstating the conclusion. Alternatives like "can we deduce" or "can we conclude" may be used depending on the desired level of certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can we deduce

Replaces "infer" with "deduce", implying a more logical and certain conclusion.

can we conclude

Focuses on the act of reaching a conclusion based on evidence.

what can be inferred

Changes the structure to passive voice, focusing on the possibility of inference.

can we assume

Suggests a conclusion based on less certain grounds, more of a supposition.

can we gather

Emphasizes the collection of information leading to a potential inference.

what can we determine

Emphasizes the act of finding something out definitively.

can we surmise

Indicates a conclusion reached with limited evidence or based on intuition.

what are the implications

Focuses on the potential consequences or effects that can be inferred.

what can we understand

Shifts focus to comprehension and gaining insight.

is it reasonable to assume

Questions the validity and justification of making an assumption.

FAQs

How can I use "can we infer" in a sentence?

Use "can we infer" to introduce a question about a conclusion that can be drawn from specific evidence or information. For example, "Given these results, "can we infer" a causal relationship?"

What can I say instead of "can we infer"?

You can use alternatives like "can we deduce", "can we conclude", or "can we assume", depending on the level of certainty you want to convey.

Which is correct, "can we infer" or "can we imply"?

The correct choice depends on who is drawing the conclusion. "Infer" means to draw a conclusion, so "can we infer" is used when asking if we can draw a conclusion. "Imply" means to suggest something without explicitly stating it. Speakers/writers imply; listeners/readers infer.

What's the difference between "can we infer" and "what are the implications"?

"Can we infer" questions the possibility of drawing a conclusion from given information. "What are the implications" explores the potential consequences or effects that follow from something, going beyond the simple act of concluding.