we might infer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we might infer" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when suggesting a conclusion based on evidence or reasoning. For example, "From the data presented, we might infer that the trend will continue." Alternative expressions include "we could deduce" and "we may conclude."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

We take your point about Imitation of Life, but are you suggesting we are meant to judge the portrayals by what we might infer about the character?

The Guardian

But that's my grandad Pat and my nan Hettie with my dad and they had none of the advantages we might infer from the picture.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Both started as one-man, low-fidelity projects, from which we might infer that their touring-band iterations are re-enactments of some deep subconscious matter.

The New York Times - Arts

The 21 Grams of the title, I managed to grasp through the mists of obfuscation, is apparently the weight a body loses when it dies, from which we might infer it is the precise weight of the human soul.

The Guardian - Film

Because the rationalist Philo uses the Greek word "magos" derisively — less a wise man than a donkey-whisperer — we might infer that at least some educated Jewish readers, like Philo, took a dim view of magi.

The New York Times

We might infer that Weber took coordination for granted, although he left it implicit.

Journal of Organization Design

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

In each case, we were told (or might infer) that the tornado was God's judgment on homosexuality.

Huffington Post

As CO2 production can also be estimated from the Harris Benedict Equation we reasoned that one might infer Vd/Vt from readily available clinical data [ 12].

Critical Care

We need to always be mindful of what audiences might infer from emails or other communications, even if that isn't what we intended".

The Guardian - Business

From educational efforts of great corporations one might infer that modern industry invented gainful occupation.

The New Yorker

The eye might infer a subdued but generous soul; it does not seem desperate.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we might infer", ensure that the inference is logically supported by the preceding statements or evidence. Avoid making unsupported assumptions.

Common error

Avoid presenting an inference made using "we might infer" as an absolute fact. The phrase indicates a possibility or likelihood, not a certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we might infer" functions as an epistemic modal expression, indicating a degree of uncertainty or possibility in drawing a conclusion. It suggests that a particular interpretation is plausible based on available information, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we might infer" is a valuable tool for expressing reasoned conclusions with a degree of uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in academic, scientific, and news contexts. When using "we might infer", it's essential to ensure that the inference is logically supported by the evidence and not presented as an absolute certainty. The provided examples and related phrases offer valuable insights into the appropriate usage and alternative expressions, such as "we can deduce" or "it can be inferred", ensuring clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we can deduce

Emphasizes a logical conclusion based on clear evidence.

we can conclude

Suggests a final judgment after considering all information.

it can be inferred

Focuses on the possibility of drawing a conclusion.

it is reasonable to assume

Highlights the logical justification for making an assumption.

it is plausible to suggest

Introduces a suggestion that is believable but not certain.

we may surmise

Implies a more speculative or tentative conclusion.

one might speculate

Suggests a conclusion based on limited information.

it seems logical to propose

Emphasizes the reasonableness of a proposed idea.

it would appear that

Presents an observation that leads to a particular understanding.

the evidence suggests

Indicates that available evidence supports a specific idea.

FAQs

How can I use "we might infer" in a sentence?

Use "we might infer" to suggest a conclusion based on evidence or reasoning. For example, "Based on these results, "we might infer" that the treatment is effective."

What are some alternatives to saying "we might infer"?

Alternatives include "we can deduce", "we can conclude", or "it can be inferred", depending on the context and the strength of the implication.

Is it correct to use "we might infer" in formal writing?

Yes, "we might infer" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in academic and professional contexts where reasoned arguments are presented.

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

"We might infer" suggests a possibility or a tentative conclusion, while "we can infer" implies a stronger, more definitive conclusion based on solid evidence.