plain inference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plain inference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a straightforward or obvious conclusion drawn from evidence or reasoning without any complexity. Example: "From the data presented, the plain inference is that sales have increased significantly over the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Likewise, plain inference of species relationships may be of little interest if the resulting tree does not help explain evolutionary processes along this tree or has no clear practical applications.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Rangers manager, Ally McCoist, hardly unaccustomed to confrontation, fired a volley towards the SFA with the inference perfectly plain: there is one rule for Rangers, and one for the rest.

The Guardian - Sport

This is not to say that our capacity for reasoning plays no role in these theories; after all, these are intended to explain how self-knowledge is achieved by thinkers like us, who can engage in ordinary reasoning (such as making inferences and recognizing plain conceptual truths).

SEP

The plain-spoken tone, and vague inference that underneath the tightly-wound exterior Abbott is a loveable, joint-toking Harold Ramis, received excited coverage.

Vice

The AG model provides more efficient inference for a covariate effect than the plain Cox model for the time to the first event, but requires much stronger assumptions than the other models, such as independence among recurrent event times or common baseline hazards.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

From the aforementioned inferences, a conceptual model of groundwater recharge in the Ndop plain is proposed (Fig. 6).

Applied Water Science

Negative inference".

The Guardian - Film

Perception is inference.

The New Yorker

The inference is clear.

The Guardian - Sport

An incoherent inference.

The New Yorker

The inference was obvious.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plain inference" when you want to emphasize the simplicity and directness of a conclusion drawn from available information.

Common error

Avoid replacing "plain inference" with unnecessarily complex or jargon-heavy alternatives when the situation calls for clarity and simplicity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plain inference" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it denotes a straightforward deduction or conclusion, derived directly from available evidence or premises.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plain inference" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a straightforward conclusion. Though relatively rare in occurrence, as noted by Ludwig, its meaning is clear and its application spans various contexts, including scientific and news media. Alternatives such as "obvious deduction" or "clear conclusion" can be used to convey a similar meaning. When using "plain inference", prioritize clarity and avoid overcomplicating the language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obvious deduction

Replaces "inference" with "deduction" to emphasize a logical conclusion, and "plain" with "obvious" for clarity.

straightforward inference

Uses "straightforward" instead of "plain" to suggest a direct line of reasoning.

direct inference

Focuses on the immediate and unmediated nature of the inference.

evident inference

Emphasizes that the inference is easily noticeable or apparent.

clear conclusion

Substitutes both words to highlight a straightforward outcome of reasoning.

simple deduction

Replaces "plain" with "simple" to convey ease of understanding.

uncomplicated inference

Highlights the lack of complexity in the inferential process.

logical deduction

Highlights that the inference is a consequence of logic.

explicit inference

Suggests that the inference is stated clearly and openly.

basic inference

Uses "basic" to convey the fundamental nature of the inference.

FAQs

How can I use "plain inference" in a sentence?

You can use "plain inference" to describe a straightforward conclusion drawn from available information. For example: "The "plain inference" is that the project failed due to lack of funding."

What are some alternatives to "plain inference"?

Alternatives include "obvious deduction", "clear conclusion", or "simple deduction". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "plain inference" formal or informal?

"Plain inference" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts where clear and uncomplicated reasoning is being discussed.

What's the difference between "plain inference" and "simple inference"?

While similar, "plain inference" emphasizes the obviousness of the conclusion, whereas "simple inference" focuses on the ease of the inferential process. Both are related but have slightly different connotations.