we can surmise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can surmise" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to indicate that you are making an educated guess or inference based on available information. For example, "Based on the evidence presented, we can surmise that the project will be completed ahead of schedule." Alternative expressions include "we can infer" and "we can deduce."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We can surmise what the nub of that would be.

The Guardian - Sport

." "From the forensic analyses, we can surmise that she was killed by an arrow. . . .

The New Yorker

Therefore we cannot know what Shakespeare thought of Cervantes, though we can surmise his delight.

The Guardian - Books

Mozart wrote it, we can surmise, as a tribute to his friend.

The New York Times - Science

"From the contents of his stomach, we can surmise that he last dined on oat gruel. . .

The New Yorker

We can surmise now that the selectors gave serious thought to asking him to stand down.

The Guardian - Sport

" "From the ornaments on this belt buckle, we can surmise that these were a wealthy people. . . .

The New Yorker

But we can surmise that it is already pretty popular inside Netflix.

The New York Times

For many years the former lovers maintained an unlikely exchange of gifts, whose meanings we can surmise.

The Guardian - Books

What Khilnani sees when he looks at the present, we don't really know, though we can surmise.

The New Yorker

We can surmise that this intermediate form was able to make copies of itself to pass onto the next generation.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we can surmise" when you want to present a conclusion that is based on reasoning and available information, but not necessarily proven fact. It's useful for presenting a well-founded, yet not definitive, interpretation of events or data.

Common error

Avoid presenting a surmise as an absolute truth. The phrase "we can surmise" indicates a degree of uncertainty, so ensure your writing reflects this by using qualifying language and acknowledging alternative possibilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can surmise" functions as a hedging device, allowing speakers or writers to present an interpretation or conclusion without committing to absolute certainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid. It suggests a degree of uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we can surmise" is a versatile phrase used to present a reasoned inference based on available information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various writing styles, particularly in news, science, and formal contexts. While not expressing absolute certainty, it offers a balanced approach to conveying informed interpretations. When using this phrase, ensure the conclusion aligns with the context and consider alternatives like "we can infer" or "we can assume" to fine-tune the degree of certainty conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we can infer

This alternative suggests a logical conclusion drawn directly from the evidence.

we can deduce

This alternative implies a more systematic and logical process of reasoning to reach a conclusion.

we can conclude

This suggests a final judgment or decision based on the information available.

we can assume

This alternative indicates taking something for granted without concrete proof.

we can speculate

This phrase suggests forming a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.

we can hypothesize

This suggests forming a tentative explanation as a starting point for further investigation.

it is reasonable to assume

This alternative presents the assumption as logical and justified.

it is logical to conclude

This highlights the rationality and reasoning behind the conclusion.

we can gather

This option suggests collecting information to form an understanding or opinion.

we can presume

Suggests acceptance of something as true until proven otherwise, often based on probability.

FAQs

How can I use "we can surmise" in a sentence?

You can use "we can surmise" to introduce a conclusion based on available evidence, indicating a reasoned but not definitive inference. For example, "From the data, "we can surmise" that the intervention was effective."

What are some alternatives to "we can surmise"?

Alternatives include "we can infer", "we can deduce", "we can assume", or "we can speculate", depending on the level of certainty and the reasoning process involved.

Is it better to say "we can surmise" or "we can assume"?

"We can surmise" suggests a conclusion based on some evidence or reasoning, while "we can assume" implies taking something as true without necessarily having supporting evidence. Surmising is generally more grounded in observation or data.

What's the difference between "we can surmise" and "we can infer"?

Both indicate drawing a conclusion, but "we can infer" typically implies a more direct and logical connection to the evidence, while "we can surmise" can suggest a more intuitive or speculative leap based on the available information. Therefore "we can infer" is based on direct relation, and "we can surmise" might need extra-knowledge or more considerations.