common sense inference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common sense inference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing conclusions or deductions that are generally accepted as logical or reasonable based on common knowledge or understanding. Example: "Based on the evidence presented, the common sense inference is that the project will be completed ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

While there must be no speculation about these details, "common sense inferences" may be drawn.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Indeed," he wrote, "it is as likely to take place as are most future events that common-sense inference and ordinary knowledge of human nature tell us will happen".

The New York Times

Oetke (2004) finds three roots to the earliest concerns with logic in India: (1) common-sense inference, (2) establishment of doctrines in the frame of scientific treatises (śāstra), and (3) justification of tenets in a debate.

SEP

It generates communicative response according to the user input, the dialogue context, the user's and its own personality knowledge, common sense knowledge, and inference knowledge.

Knowledge-Based Systems

Typically, there will be clear common sense intuitions about the inferences that should be drawn in these cases.

SEP

"You must not speculate and you could not draw safe inferences from debatable evidence because you need to be sure that your inference, you reasonable common sense conclusion, is correct.

BBC

Three basic routes to such inferences are possible: common sense, phenotype environment correlations, and experimental selection/evolution.

Evolutionary Applications

The technique has also been criticised for testing irrelevant hypotheses and leading to inferences which defy common sense (Perenger, 1998).

British Journal of Cancer

However, in 12 of these studies (34%), the inference was based on common sense alone.

Evolutionary Applications

Firstly, the inference method should conform to common sense, or else it will be misused or misinterpreted.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

"Because the government didn't have that" — a cooperating witness with knowledge of a conspiracy — "they relied on circumstantial evidence, on inferences and ultimately appealed to the jurors' common sense".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "common sense inference", ensure that the inference is genuinely based on widely accepted knowledge and not personal assumptions. This will strengthen the credibility of your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting a personal belief as a "common sense inference" without supporting evidence. "Common sense" should reflect shared understanding, not individual biases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common sense inference" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a conclusion or deduction that is considered obvious or logical based on general knowledge and experience. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "common sense inference" is a noun phrase denoting a conclusion drawn from widely accepted knowledge. While grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates it's relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure your inference genuinely reflects shared understanding, avoiding the pitfall of presenting personal beliefs as common knowledge. Alternatives like "logical deduction" or "reasonable conclusion" can provide more formal or nuanced expressions of the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commonsensical deduction

A more explicit and descriptive variant of the original phrase.

logical deduction

Emphasizes the logical process of drawing a conclusion.

reasonable conclusion

Highlights the justification and plausibility of the conclusion.

natural conclusion

Emphasizes that the conclusion is an expected result of the circumstances.

intuitive reasoning

Focuses on the instinctive and immediate nature of the reasoning.

practical judgment

Stresses the application of good sense in making a decision.

sound judgment

Highlights the reliability and validity of the decision or assessment.

ordinary reasoning

Focuses on reasoning based on everyday experiences and understanding.

basic reasoning

Highlights the simplicity and fundamental nature of the reasoning process.

everyday logic

Highlights logical thinking that is used in everyday life.

FAQs

How can I use "common sense inference" in a sentence?

You might use "common sense inference" to explain a conclusion based on everyday knowledge, such as, "The "common sense inference" is that rain will lead to wet roads."

What are some alternatives to "common sense inference"?

Alternatives include "logical deduction", "reasonable conclusion", or "intuitive reasoning", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "common sense inference" a formal or informal expression?

"Common sense inference" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings might prefer alternatives like "logical deduction" for added precision.

How does "common sense inference" differ from speculation?

"Common sense inference" is based on established knowledge, while speculation involves conjecture without firm evidence. A ""common sense inference"" draws a conclusion from what is known, whereas speculation guesses at what is unknown.