reasonable inference

USAGE SUMMARY

"reasonable inference" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express an educated guess or conclusion that is based on available facts. For example: " by considering the evidence, it is a reasonable inference that the accused is indeed guilty of the crime".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

His presence at the masque that evening is a reasonable inference.

The Guardian - Books

"Certainly that would be a reasonable inference to make," Murray replied.

The Guardian

In such circumstances, the only reasonable inference that can be drawn is that you are pursuing a malicious and vindictive agenda against our client and the church".

The Guardian - Books

Put those trends together and the only reasonable inference is that our assumptions about what networked machines can and cannot do need urgently to be updated.

The Guardian - Tech

Indeed, a reasonable inference to be drawn from the oracle would have been: "Don't kill older men!

The New York Times

Nonetheless, a reasonable inference that can be drawn from these data is that double stars and planetary systems are formed by similar evolutionary processes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Moreover, on the question of how he reasoned to specific explanations we can make some reasonable inferences from things he says about proper methods of biological inquiry.

SEP

You are allowed to make reasonable inferences, as long as they are based on the evidence.

The New Yorker

Some hospital executives say that, instead of asking detailed questions, they should be allowed to make reasonable inferences.

The New York Times

Instead, an official is permitted to consider "reasonable inferences" and "to draw from the facts in light of his/her experience".

The Guardian - Opinion

According to the Terry decision, the judgment by the officer must be made on the basis of "specific reasonable inferences" from the evidence, not "inarticulate hunches".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reasonable inference" when you want to highlight a logical conclusion derived from available evidence, suggesting a well-supported but not definitive understanding.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "reasonable inference" as an absolute truth. Always acknowledge it as an interpretation based on available information, which may be subject to change or further evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable inference" functions as a noun phrase that describes a conclusion or judgment reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning. It qualifies the type of inference being made, emphasizing its logical and justifiable nature, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reasonable inference" is a versatile tool used to describe conclusions that are logically derived from available evidence. As Ludwig AI points out, it's considered grammatically correct and commonly used. This analysis reveals that it functions as a noun phrase emphasizing the justifiable nature of an assumption. It is very common across diverse contexts, with the majority being in News & Media and Science sources. When using "reasonable inference", it's essential to avoid presenting it as an absolute fact and instead, acknowledge it as an interpretation. For situations where you need alternatives, consider "logical deduction" or "plausible interpretation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

logical deduction

Focuses on the logical aspect of drawing a conclusion.

justifiable conclusion

Emphasizes the defensible nature of the inference.

plausible interpretation

Highlights the believability of the inferred meaning.

sound reasoning

Stresses the validity of the thought process leading to the conclusion.

valid assumption

Indicates an underlying belief that is acceptable and well-founded.

well-founded belief

Suggests that the belief is supported by evidence and logic.

informed judgment

Highlights that judgment is based on gathered facts.

educated guess

Emphasizes the speculative but informed nature of the conclusion.

sensible presumption

Highlights a reasonable and practical assumption made.

rational assumption

Indicates a reasonable and logical assumption made.

FAQs

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

You can use "reasonable inference" to describe a conclusion you've drawn based on the available information. For example, "Based on the evidence, a "reasonable inference" is that the defendant was at the scene of the crime".

What's a good alternative to "reasonable inference"?

Alternatives to "reasonable inference" include "logical deduction", "plausible interpretation", or "well-founded belief", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "reasonable inference" or "logical conclusion"?

Both "reasonable inference" and "logical conclusion" are valid, but "reasonable inference" often implies a degree of uncertainty or interpretation, while "logical conclusion" might suggest a more definitive outcome based purely on logic.

What makes an inference "reasonable"?

An inference is considered "reasonable" when it's based on solid evidence and follows a logical line of reasoning. It should be a well-supported interpretation rather than a wild guess.