what can be inferred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what can be inferred" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when trying to draw conclusions from existing information or evidence, or make assumptions based on observations. For example, "Based on the evidence provided, what can be inferred about the thief's identity?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

What can be inferred from the find?

Independent

What can be inferred about people based on publicly available online data?

Princeton University

Virtually nothing is known about Ptolemy's life except what can be inferred from his writings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These views were an amalgam of Classical and Christian thought and, from what can be inferred from written sources, shaped the way educated people experienced and interpreted phenomena.

Britannica

The discussion will be centered around what was observed, and what can be inferred about these user groups' beliefs and emotions.

Stanford University

Much of Audio and Multimedia's work over the last four years has been to show what can be inferred about users from relatively little information.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

On the basis of this information, we analyze what information can be inferred from exchanged messages.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

His defence of the Epicurean system is deftly and passionately argued, and is particularly admired for its eloquent critique of the fear of death in book 3. We know virtually nothing, beyond what little can be inferred from the poem itself, of Lucretius' biography.

SEP

However, it is impossible to tell what exactly can be inferred about concealed values.

Bioinformatics

Very silly and very committed - to his marriage, which has lasted 40 years, and to his faith, which, though I can't pretend to know what form this takes, can be inferred from his long-standing friendship with Daniel and Philip Berrigan Philipp, a former Jesuit priest, Daniel, a practising Jesuit who now works in an Aids hostel in New York.

The Guardian - Film

These arguments differ with regard to what it is that can be inferred a priori given that we know we have a certain thought.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what can be inferred", ensure that the source of information is clearly identified to provide context for the inference.

Common error

Avoid presenting an inference as an absolute fact. Qualify your statements to reflect the level of certainty supported by the evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what can be inferred" functions as a relative clause introducing a question or statement about deductions that can be made. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. This is confirmed by the examples which demonstrate its use in drawing conclusions from data or evidence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

Academia

25%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what can be inferred" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression across multiple domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for drawing conclusions based on available information. The examples in Ludwig highlight its prominence in scientific, academic, and news contexts. Linguistic analysis indicates its function as a relative clause, its purpose to explore possibilities and analyze data, and its register as formal, particularly in scientific discourse. While it's most common in science and academia, it’s essential to qualify inferences and avoid overstating conclusions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what conclusions can be drawn

Focuses on the act of drawing explicit conclusions.

what deductions can be made

Emphasizes a logical, deductive process.

what can be concluded

Highlights the process of reaching a final judgement or decision.

what may be reasonably assumed

Suggests a level of uncertainty or probability in the inference.

what understandings can be gained

Emphasizes learning and comprehension.

what insights can be derived

Focuses on gaining deeper understanding or revealing hidden aspects.

what interpretations are possible

Highlights multiple possible understandings.

what implications exist

Points towards the consequences or effects of something.

what is suggested by the evidence

Highlights the evidentiary basis for drawing inferences.

what the data indicates

Focuses on data-driven inferences.

FAQs

How can I use "what can be inferred" in a sentence?

Use "what can be inferred" to introduce a deduction or conclusion drawn from information. For example: "What can be inferred from the data suggests a decline in sales."

What are some alternatives to "what can be inferred"?

You can use alternatives like "what conclusions can be drawn", "what deductions can be made", or "what can be concluded".

Is it better to use "what can be inferred" or "what is implied"?

"What can be inferred" refers to drawing a conclusion based on evidence, while "what is implied" refers to something suggested but not explicitly stated. The choice depends on whether you're highlighting a deduction or a suggestion.

How does the context affect "what can be inferred"?

Context is crucial. Different contexts can lead to different valid inferences from the same information. Always consider the background and surrounding details when determining "what can be inferred".