might be inferred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might be inferred" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that a conclusion or understanding can be drawn from the information provided, often in a speculative context. Example: "From the data presented, it might be inferred that the new policy has had a positive impact on employee productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In reply, he had half smiled, and given a brief nod, from which surprise and gratitude might be inferred.

The New Yorker

Physicists would not be able to detect heavy gravitons directly -- they would immediately fly off into the higher dimension -- but their existence might be inferred.

The New York Times - Science

It might be inferred from his remarks on Tuesday that these occupations would not be considered by Farage to be "proper jobs".

The Guardian

Do those words imply, as might be inferred, a challenge to the Clausewitzian principle of the primacy of politics in the setting of military objectives?

The New York Times - Books

Hopkins's "child" is less casual and more neutral than Horace's "puer" and lacks the sexual undertone which might be inferred from the original.

The Guardian - Books

The precipitation level of a past climate might be inferred from an observation of the depth of lime-containing horizons in a paleosol.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As might be inferred from her two previous alliteratively subtitled works — "Diana in Search of Herself: Portrait of a Troubled Princess" and "Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch" — Smith is an avid monarchist.

The New Yorker

These two types of specific, acquired immunity, however, are not as distinct as might be inferred from this description, since T cells also play a major role in regulating the function of B cells.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That is, if the Republican had a four percentage point lead in a poll of registered voters, it might be inferred that he had a six percentage point lead among likely voters instead.

The New York Times

MyRobot claims that someday, if a connected stove, refrigerator and mixer all report heavy use and if sensors detect many people in the house, a dinner party might be inferred.

The New York Times

It might be inferred from the fact that she filmed at the USMC's California base, Camp Pendleton, that this would have contributed at least several tens of thousand of dollars in support – in the form of free sets, use of equipment, personnel time and, possibly, food and housing; it takes a lot of people a fair amount of time to make such a video.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "might be inferred", ensure the context provides sufficient clues or supporting information for the reader to follow the logical connection to the suggested inference. If the connection is tenuous, consider rephrasing for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "might be inferred" when the conclusion is directly stated or easily obvious from the presented facts. This phrase is best suited for subtle or nuanced interpretations, not for self-evident observations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be inferred" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or a tentative conclusion based on available information. As shown in Ludwig, it is commonly used to suggest an inference without stating it as an absolute fact. It provides a nuanced way of presenting potential interpretations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might be inferred" is a versatile phrase used to express a tentative conclusion drawn from indirect evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in scientific and news media sources, indicating a formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the context offers enough cues for the reader to understand the inference and avoid using it for obvious conclusions. Alternatives like "could be deduced" or "may be concluded" can be used to provide similar meaning with different nuances. In essence, "might be inferred" is a powerful tool for nuanced communication when suggesting possible interpretations or outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be deduced

This alternative suggests a logical conclusion based on evidence, but it is about inference. "Could" indicates possibility, like "might".

may be concluded

"May be concluded" implies a formal deduction or judgment. It suggests possibility with less emphasis on speculation than "might".

can be assumed

This phrase indicates a belief taken for granted without proof. While similar, it leans more towards acceptance than deduction.

it is reasonable to assume

This alternative is more explicit about the justification for the assumption. It adds a layer of rationale.

it is plausible to suggest

Similar in tone, but "plausible" emphasizes the believability of the suggestion. It highlights the apparent truthfulness.

one could surmise

"Surmise" means to infer with limited evidence, highlighting a tentative conclusion. It's more subjective than "infer".

it is possible to gather

This suggests a collection of information leading to a potential understanding. It focuses on the process of gathering evidence.

the evidence suggests

Emphasizes the role of evidence in hinting towards a conclusion. It's less about inference and more about indication.

one might speculate

"Speculate" implies a more open-ended, less evidence-based inference. It acknowledges a degree of uncertainty.

it is conceivable that

Highlights possibility and conceivability rather than direct inference from data or information. It's a broader statement of likelihood.

FAQs

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

Use "might be inferred" to indicate a conclusion that can be reasonably drawn from the available information, without stating it as a definite fact. For example, "From the increasing sales figures, it might be inferred that the product is gaining popularity."

What are some alternatives to "might be inferred"?

You can use alternatives like "could be deduced", "may be concluded", or "can be assumed" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "might be inferred" formal or informal?

"Might be inferred" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or analytical writing. It's not typically used in casual conversation.

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

"Might be inferred" suggests a possibility or a tentative conclusion, while "is inferred" implies a definite conclusion based on the evidence. The former indicates more uncertainty than the latter.