powers of inference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "powers of inference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to draw conclusions or make deductions based on available information or evidence. Example: "The detective relied on his powers of inference to solve the complex case, piecing together clues that others had overlooked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

You have to have human intelligence, human powers of inference, and human encyclopedic knowledge of the world" to make sense of it.

The New Yorker

His powers of inference, however, are intact, and enable him to stitch together disparate clues, to figure out how he landed in the hospital and what happened in the mysterious few days he can no longer remember.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

With an eye to the alleged power of inference to prove the existence of God or personal survival, the Cārvāka materialist school recognizes perception as a knowledge source but not inference nor any other candidate.

SEP

We argue (i) that the development and obligatory use of advanced simulation tools is necessary for improved identification of selected loci, (ii) that genomic information from multiple time points will enhance the power of inference, and (iii) that results from experimental evolution should be utilized to better inform population genomic studies.

Trends in Genetics

A logical next step in improving the power of inference would be to combine the CGH profiles with SNP information and investigate possible patterns of association between the occurrence of SNPs and CNVs.

Plosone

When the number of loci was increased to 100, the overall power of inference of both methods increased dramatically, but PCO-MC exhibited broadly superior performance over the simulation parameter space, both in terms of a higher probability of correct inference and a lower probability of Type I error (Figure 6).

Plosone

To explore how the amount of data affects statistical power of inference of divergence dates, we used estimates of species neutral evolution rate based on third codon substitutions of cytochrome b for 131 carnivore species [ 35].

BMC Ecology

However, with the addition of the Arachis out-group, the power of inference is increased: we see similar patterns of synteny (and disruption) in all possible species by species comparisons (with the notable exception of SB1).

BMC Genomics

Although apparently adequate for the purpose of the current study, the inclusion of one or more nuclear genes will increase the power of inferences drawn, because mitochondrial lineages have been shown to not always agree with nuclear gene lineages.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

The failure to detect an effect of changes in mating system could be attributable to insufficient data (in terms of the number of genes available and/or the number of substitutions accumulated between A. thaliana and A. lyrata) and the fact that the outgroup species used to polarize direction of substitutions were very divergent, reducing the accuracy and power of inferences.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Gaussian process (GP) is a popular nonparametric model, due to the power of Bayesian inference framework.

Expert Systems with Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a character's or individual's capacity for deduction, use "powers of inference" to highlight their ability to understand complex situations and arrive at logical conclusions based on limited information.

Common error

Avoid using "powers of inference" when describing simple observations or straightforward conclusions. This phrase is more fitting when discussing complex reasoning processes that require significant analytical skill.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "powers of inference" functions as a noun phrase that refers to the ability or capacity to draw conclusions or make deductions based on available information. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase denotes a specific intellectual capability, often in situations requiring analytical thinking.

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, "powers of inference" is a noun phrase denoting the capability to make deductions based on available information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though it is relatively rare in usage. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and scientific contexts and carries a formal or scientific tone. Alternatives like "inferential abilities" or "reasoning skills" can be used depending on the specific nuance intended. Use this phrase to emphasize someone's analytical and deductive skills, particularly in complex problem-solving situations. Avoid using it in straightforward observational contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inferential abilities

Focuses on the inherent capabilities related to inference.

reasoning skills

Emphasizes the cognitive processes involved in drawing conclusions.

deductive capacity

Highlights the capacity for deductive reasoning specifically.

analytic prowess

Stresses exceptional skill in analyzing information to infer conclusions.

interpretive skills

Focuses on the ability to accurately interpret information and draw conclusions.

capacity for deduction

Highlights the general capability to perform deductive reasoning.

ability to deduce

More direct and straightforward way of expressing the ability to infer.

skill in inferring

Emphasizes the proficiency in the act of inferring conclusions.

intellectual acumen

Points to the sharpness and quickness of intellect in inferring.

cognitive inference abilities

Highlights the cognitive capabilities specific for making inferences.

FAQs

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

Use "powers of inference" to describe someone's ability to deduce information from limited or complex data. For example, "The detective utilized his "powers of inference" to solve the mysterious case."

What are some alternatives to "powers of inference"?

Alternatives include "inferential abilities", "reasoning skills", or "deductive capacity depending on the context".

In what contexts is "powers of inference" most appropriate?

"Powers of inference" is suited for scenarios where individuals demonstrate a high level of analytical thinking and logical deduction, typically in fields like investigation, science, or complex problem-solving.

Is it correct to say "power of inference" instead of "powers of inference"?

While grammatically acceptable, "power of inference" is less common. "Powers of inference" emphasizes the multifaceted nature and capabilities involved in the process of drawing conclusions, making it a subtly stronger choice.