It can be inferred that
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use this to present a logical conclusion while remaining humble and avoiding direct confrontation.
Em 15 segundos
- A polite way to draw conclusions based on available evidence.
- Softens claims to make them sound more objective and professional.
- Commonly used in academic, legal, and business environments.
Significado
This phrase is a polite way to say you've reached a conclusion based on facts without sounding too bossy or 100% certain. It's like saying 'Based on what I see, I think this is true' but in a much more professional and sophisticated way.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Analyzing a quiet office
The boss left her door closed all day, so it can be inferred that she is busy.
The boss left her door closed all day, so it can be inferred that she is busy.
Discussing a book with a friend
The protagonist never mentions his father, so it can be inferred that they are estranged.
The protagonist never mentions his father, so it can be inferred that they are estranged.
In a formal business report
Given the 20% drop in traffic, it can be inferred that the new ad campaign failed.
Given the 20% drop in traffic, it can be inferred that the new ad campaign failed.
Contexto cultural
This expression stems from the Western tradition of empirical logic, where conclusions must be supported by observable data. It became a staple of academic and legal English in the 19th century to maintain an objective, third-person perspective. Today, it is a key tool for 'hedging,' a linguistic strategy used to avoid over-committing to a claim.
The 'Passive' Power
By using the passive voice ('it can be'), you remove yourself from the sentence. This makes your conclusion sound like a universal truth rather than just your personal opinion.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you'll sound like a textbook. Save it for your most important points to keep your speech natural.
Em 15 segundos
- A polite way to draw conclusions based on available evidence.
- Softens claims to make them sound more objective and professional.
- Commonly used in academic, legal, and business environments.
What It Means
It can be inferred that is a classic 'hedging' phrase. It allows you to make a smart guess based on evidence. You aren't saying 'This is a fact.' You are saying 'The clues point here.' It makes you sound logical and observant. It’s the difference between saying 'He is angry' and 'It can be inferred that he is unhappy.' The second one sounds much more thoughtful.
How To Use It
Use this at the start of a sentence to introduce a logical conclusion. Follow it with a full clause (subject + verb). It works beautifully when you want to sound objective. Think of it as putting on a detective’s hat. You see the evidence, and you present the result. It’s perfect for when you want to avoid being blamed if you're wrong. You’re just following the trail of breadcrumbs!
When To Use It
This is your best friend in academic writing or business reports. Use it during a meeting when looking at sales charts. It’s great for analyzing a friend’s mysterious text message too. If your boss is quiet, you might tell a coworker, 'It can be inferred that the meeting went poorly.' It adds a layer of professional distance. It’s also useful in debates to sound less aggressive.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this in high-energy, casual settings. If your house is on fire, don't say, 'It can be inferred that we should leave.' Just shout 'Run!' Avoid it in very intimate or emotional heart-to-hearts. It can make you sound like a robot or a cold scientist. Using it at a loud party might make people think you’ve spent too much time in the library. Keep it for moments that require a bit of brainpower.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, love 'understatement.' We often avoid being too direct to remain polite. This phrase comes from formal logic and philosophy. It reflects a cultural value of evidence-based thinking. It’s very common in 'high-context' professional cultures. It shows you are a person who thinks before they speak. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a raised eyebrow and a thoughtful 'hmm.'
Common Variations
If you want to mix it up, try one might infer that. For something slightly stronger, use it is clear that. If you want to be even softer, try it could be suggested that. In casual speech, people just say so, basically... or it seems like. But if you want to keep that C1-level polish, stick with it can be inferred that. It’s the gold standard for sounding like an expert.
Notas de uso
This phrase is firmly in the 'formal' to 'neutral' category. It is highly effective in writing and professional speaking, but use it sparingly in casual conversation to avoid sounding pretentious.
The 'Passive' Power
By using the passive voice ('it can be'), you remove yourself from the sentence. This makes your conclusion sound like a universal truth rather than just your personal opinion.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you'll sound like a textbook. Save it for your most important points to keep your speech natural.
The 'Polite Brit' Secret
British speakers often use this to disagree without being rude. Instead of saying 'You're wrong,' they might say, 'From these facts, it can be inferred that the opposite is true.'
Exemplos
6The boss left her door closed all day, so it can be inferred that she is busy.
The boss left her door closed all day, so it can be inferred that she is busy.
Uses observation to explain a situation without assuming too much.
The protagonist never mentions his father, so it can be inferred that they are estranged.
The protagonist never mentions his father, so it can be inferred that they are estranged.
Shows you are thinking deeply about the story's subtext.
Given the 20% drop in traffic, it can be inferred that the new ad campaign failed.
Given the 20% drop in traffic, it can be inferred that the new ad campaign failed.
Delivers bad news in a neutral, data-driven way.
He hasn't texted back in three days, so it can be inferred that he's not interested.
He hasn't texted back in three days, so it can be inferred that he's not interested.
Using formal language for a personal situation adds a touch of dry humor.
She’s been very quiet lately; it can be inferred that she’s going through a hard time.
She’s been very quiet lately; it can be inferred that she’s going through a hard time.
Shows empathy through careful observation rather than prying.
There's only a single lemon in here; it can be inferred that you need to go grocery shopping.
There's only a single lemon in here; it can be inferred that you need to go grocery shopping.
A polite, slightly sarcastic way to point out the obvious.
Teste-se
Choose the best phrase to complete the professional observation.
The client hasn't signed the contract yet; __ they have some reservations.
This option maintains a professional tone and suggests a logical conclusion without being overly aggressive.
Select the phrase that sounds most objective in an essay.
Based on the fossil records, __ these species lived near water.
In academic writing, using 'I' is often discouraged; this phrase provides the necessary objective distance.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality Spectrum of Logical Conclusions
Used with close friends.
I guess...
Standard daily conversation.
It seems like...
Professional or academic settings.
It can be inferred that...
Legal or scientific papers.
From the aforementioned data, it is inferable that...
Where to use 'It can be inferred that'
Business Meeting
Analyzing market trends.
University Essay
Interpreting a poem.
Polite Disagreement
Correcting a colleague gently.
Dry Humor
Stating the obvious to a friend.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasTo 'infer' means to read between the lines. You take the information you have and figure out the hidden meaning, like seeing smoke and inferring there is a fire.
No! A speaker 'implies' (hints), but a listener 'infers' (understands the hint). If I look at my watch, I'm implying we're late; you infer that we need to hurry.
Yes, but usually as a joke. If a friend sends a photo of a messy room, you could text, It can be inferred that you had a wild night.
Not at all! It's actually perfect. It shows you are analytical. For example: Based on your company's growth, it can be inferred that you value innovation.
It seems like is more about a feeling or appearance. It can be inferred that sounds like you have done some logical work to get to the answer.
No, you don't need a comma. You go straight into the word that, as in It can be inferred that the results are positive.
Yes, but it can be inferred is more common because it sounds more objective and less like just one person's opinion.
Yes, very much so, especially in professional and academic circles across the US, Canada, and the UK.
Using it when there is no evidence. If you're just guessing randomly, use I wonder if instead. Infer requires some clues!
It's a great transition phrase. It helps connect the facts you just mentioned in the previous paragraph to a new conclusion.
Frases relacionadas
It stands to reason that
Used to say that something is logical or obvious.
One could argue that
A way to present an opinion that others might disagree with.
It follows that
Used to show a direct logical consequence of what was just said.
Evidence suggests that
A very common academic way to introduce a finding.
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