we may guess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we may guess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a possibility or making an assumption about something without certainty. Example: "Based on the evidence presented, we may guess that the outcome will be favorable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But we may guess.

The New Yorker

We may guess if there is a human heart embedded in Oculus Block.

The Guardian - Arts

When a gay cardinal forces himself on a junior, we may guess that a shadowy and unsocialised life may not have trained him in the manners of request and acceptance.

Independent

Avempace was again imprisoned and we may guess the causes.

SEP

We may guess that technology has a key role again in this respect.

European Journal of Futures Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"What we have lost / you may guess by what we have kept".

The New York Times - Books

In her famous "Golden Speech" of 30 November 1601 at Whitehall Palace to a deputation of 140 members, Elizabeth professed ignorance of the abuses, and won the members over with promises and her usual appeal to the emotions: Who keeps their sovereign from the lapse of error, in which, by ignorance and not by intent they might have fallen, what thank they deserve, we know, though you may guess.

Wikipedia

Judging by the subtitle – Mad About the Boy – and the toys scattered around Ms Jones on the already-revealed cover, we may hazard a guess that the new book will involve the trials of motherhood.

Independent

But the doctors, alas, may guess wrong.

The New York Times

(The viewer may guess it sooner).

The New York Times - Arts

One may guess that this is Mitchell himself speaking.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we may guess" to introduce a thoughtful speculation when direct evidence is lacking but reasonable inferences can be made. It softens the assertion, acknowledging the possibility of being incorrect.

Common error

Avoid presenting a guess as a certainty. Using "we may guess" appropriately signals uncertainty. Instead of saying, 'We may guess this will happen, therefore it will,' acknowledge the speculative nature: 'We may guess this will happen, but further investigation is needed.'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we may guess" functions as an epistemic modal, indicating a degree of uncertainty or possibility. It introduces a speculation or educated guess based on available information, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we may guess" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a tentative conclusion or speculation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific writing and general discussions. While "we may guess" is not as common as other similar phrases, it offers a useful way to signal uncertainty and invite further consideration. When using this phrase, ensure the speculation is based on some level of evidence and is not presented as a definitive statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we can assume

Suggests a belief taken for granted without proof but with a reasonable basis.

we might speculate

Implies conjecture or forming a theory without firm evidence.

we could surmise

Indicates inferring something is true without complete information.

we might infer

Focuses on deriving a conclusion from given facts or premises.

it is our conjecture

More formal and emphasizes the speculative nature of the statement.

we predict

Focuses on forecasting a future event based on current knowledge.

we estimate

Suggests a rough calculation or approximation based on available data.

it is our supposition

Highlights that the statement is a preliminary assumption.

we presume

Indicates accepting something as true until proven otherwise.

we anticipate

Focuses on expecting something to happen and preparing for it.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we may guess" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "it is our contention", "we hypothesize", or "one might surmise" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "we may guess" in writing?

The phrase "we may guess" is suitable when you want to introduce a conjecture or a speculative idea that is based on some evidence but not definitively proven. It's useful in analytical or exploratory contexts where absolute certainty isn't possible.

What's the difference between "we may guess" and "we can assume"?

While both express uncertainty, "we may guess" implies a more tentative estimation based on limited information. "We can assume" suggests a higher degree of confidence, often based on established patterns or accepted premises.

Are there situations where I should avoid using "we may guess"?

Avoid using "we may guess" in contexts that require definitive statements or proven facts. In legal documents, technical specifications, or scientific reports, strive for verifiable information rather than speculation. In those contexts it is better to provide data or evidence.