powers of deduction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "powers of deduction" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's knowledge or skill in using reasoning to draw conclusions based on evidence. Example: Sherlock Holmes is well known for his superior powers of deduction.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

I used my "CSI -esque powers of deduCSI -esqueetermine that she could be powers wife.

The New York Times - Magazine

Each book involves a series of challenges for Reacher's formidable powers of deduction.

The New York Times - Books

He is dumfounded momentarily by Philo Vance's startling powers of deduction.

The New York Times

Instead of solving models "by hand", using economists' powers of deduction, he proposes simulating economies on the computer.

The Economist

But the plots are as twisty as in Arthur Conan Doyle's novels, and Holmes' powers of deduction inventively tested.

The Guardian - Opinion

Like the detective, the biographer applies his or her powers of deduction and analysis to uncover new facts or to reinterpret known ones.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

The genius detective solving crime with the power of deduction, a million miles from the painstaking teamwork of real police investigations, is proving impossible to shake off.

Independent

Table 21 Descriptive Statistics of Students to Check their Power of Deduction   Deduction control experimental N M SD SE(M) Deduction Control 30 8.60 2.38.43 Experimental 30 11.69 2.70.53 Table 22 Independent Samples T-Test to Check Students Powerr of Deduction   Levene's Test t-test for Equality of Means F Sig. t df Sig.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

When it came to solving the riddle of the peacock's tail, Charles Darwin's powers of evolutionary deduction were second to none – the more extravagant their feathered displays, he reasoned, the greater their chances of attracting a peahen.

The Guardian

These latter were seen, even "photographed", and believed in not only by the majority of countryfolk, who blamed them for missing pins, agues and other minor troubles, but by such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who seemed himself to lack the powers of logical deduction he attributed to his chief literary creation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Moving on to Presidents Day: For holidays that seem to suggest possession but at the same time don't, your knowledge of apostrophes and powers of logical deduction are useless here.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or individual known for their sharp intellect, use "powers of deduction" to emphasize their ability to solve complex problems through reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "powers of deduction" when describing simple or obvious observations. Reserve it for situations where genuine reasoning and analysis are involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "powers of deduction" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object of a verb or preposition to describe someone's ability or skill in using logical reasoning to reach conclusions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

15%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "powers of deduction" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that denotes the ability to derive conclusions through logical reasoning. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is correct and versatile. This phrase frequently appears in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts, as per Ludwig's examples, highlighting its relevance across various domains. When writing, use "powers of deduction" to emphasize analytical skills, but avoid overuse in simplistic situations. For alternatives, consider "deductive reasoning abilities" or "analytical skills". Remember, effective communication hinges on precise language, and understanding the nuances of phrases like "powers of deduction" enhances clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deductive reasoning abilities

Replaces "powers" with "abilities" and focuses on the reasoning process.

analytical skills

Focuses on the skill set involved in deduction.

reasoning capabilities

Highlights the capacity for logical thought.

logical thinking skills

Emphasizes the logical aspect of deduction.

ability to infer

Focuses on the act of drawing conclusions from evidence.

skill in deductive analysis

Highlights expertise in applying deduction to analysis.

capacity for logical inference

Emphasizes the potential for drawing logical conclusions.

aptitude for deduction

Indicates a natural talent for deductive reasoning.

talent for reasoning

Broadens the scope to general reasoning ability.

expertise in logical reasoning

Highlights a high level of skill in logical thought.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "powers of deduction" in a sentence?

Use "powers of deduction" to describe someone's ability to solve problems or understand situations by reasoning from known facts. For instance, "Sherlock Holmes is famous for his remarkable powers of deduction."

What are some alternatives to "powers of deduction"?

You can use alternatives like "deductive reasoning abilities", "analytical skills", or "reasoning capabilities" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "powers of deduction" in formal writing?

Yes, "powers of deduction" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing problem-solving, analysis, or reasoning skills in academic or professional contexts.

What is the difference between "powers of deduction" and "powers of inference"?

"Powers of deduction" refers specifically to drawing conclusions from known facts using logical reasoning. "Powers of inference", on the other hand, is a broader term that includes drawing conclusions based on incomplete information or assumptions.