cannot be inferred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be inferred" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when something is unclear and cannot be determined from what has been stated. For example, "We don't know where the missing money went, it cannot be inferred."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For instance, causal inferences cannot be inferred based on the data.

BMC Pediatrics

The causal effect – or not – of class size therefore cannot be inferred.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such conclusions are probably right; but cannot be inferred from this report.

The Economist

A charge reversal cannot be inferred from the SHG data.

Geochemical Transactions

Their exact bathymetrical range within the water column cannot be inferred from fossil evidence.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology

Adjusting exposure via gap orientation can create morphologies that cannot be inferred from process-dominant conditions.

Geomorphology

Based on this procedure, the performance of the models outside the training location cannot be inferred.

Journal of Hydrology

However, it is far from true that these cannot be inferred with great confidence.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

We performed a retrospective, observational analysis, and therefore, causality cannot be inferred.

Annals of Intensive Care

In addition, the fluid amount cannot be inferred only from observed resistivity.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Detailed stoichiometry of the zirconate complex es) cannot be inferred from existing data.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic and scientific writing, avoid using "cannot be inferred" to mask a lack of thorough analysis. Instead, clearly state the limitations of your data or methodology.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be inferred" when a reasonable conclusion can still be drawn, even with minor limitations. Acknowledge potential inferences while addressing their uncertainties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be inferred" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a specific conclusion or relationship is not supported by the available evidence. It highlights limitations in data or analysis. Examples in Ludwig show its frequent usage in scientific publications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

80%

News & Media

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be inferred" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a conclusion or relationship cannot be reliably drawn from the available information. According to Ludwig, this phrase is most frequently used in scientific and academic writing to clearly state the limitations of data or analyses. While it's important to avoid overstating limitations, as too much caution can undermine the validity of your point, it's crucial to accurately represent the limitations of any study or analysis. By exploring the various examples and related phrases provided, writers can effectively use "cannot be inferred" to maintain clarity and precision in their work. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be deduced

Replaces 'inferred' with 'deduced', emphasizing a logical conclusion that cannot be reached.

cannot be concluded

Focuses on the inability to form a final judgment or decision based on the available information.

cannot be determined

Highlights the impossibility of finding something out or establishing it definitively.

cannot be ascertained

Emphasizes the difficulty in discovering or establishing something with certainty.

cannot be presumed

Indicates that something should not be assumed to be true without evidence.

cannot be speculated

Suggests it's inappropriate to make guesses or form theories about something.

cannot be gleaned

Focuses on the impossibility of gathering information bit by bit, often with effort.

cannot be extracted

Highlights the inability to remove or obtain specific information from a source.

cannot be derived

Emphasizes the impossibility of obtaining something from a source or origin.

remains unknown

Indicates that information is not available or has not been discovered.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be inferred" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be inferred" to indicate that a conclusion or relationship cannot be reliably drawn from the available information. For example: "Causality "cannot be inferred" from these cross-sectional data."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be inferred"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be deduced", "cannot be determined", or "cannot be concluded" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "cannot be inferred" in formal writing?

Yes, "cannot be inferred" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic and scientific contexts, to clearly state limitations in analysis or data.

What's the difference between "cannot be inferred" and "cannot be assumed"?

"Cannot be inferred" means a conclusion cannot be logically derived from the information at hand, while "cannot be assumed" means something should not be taken for granted without proof.