It can be surmised that
Hedging expression to soften claims
Literally: It is possible to conclude from evidence that
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to make an educated guess based on evidence.
- Used to soften claims and avoid sounding too aggressive.
- Common in academic writing, business reports, and formal debates.
Meaning
This phrase is a fancy way of saying 'I'm guessing this is true based on the facts.' It helps you sound polite and cautious instead of sounding like a know-it-all.
Key Examples
3 of 6Analyzing a drop in website traffic
It can be surmised that the recent server outage affected our user engagement.
We can guess the server crash caused the lower numbers.
Seeing a friend arrive at a party looking very tired
Looking at your coffee cup, it can be surmised that you didn't sleep much.
I'm guessing you're tired because you're drinking so much coffee.
Writing a formal report about a historical event
It can be surmised that the king's decision was influenced by his advisors.
It's likely the advisors told the king what to do.
Cultural Background
This expression stems from the French word 'surmettre' (to accuse), but in English, it evolved into a term for logical deduction. It is a hallmark of 'hedging' in English discourse, a strategy used to maintain politeness and avoid appearing overly aggressive or certain in one's claims.
The 'Passive' Power
This phrase uses the passive voice ('It can be...'). This is a secret weapon in English to avoid blaming people. Instead of saying 'You failed,' you say 'It can be surmised that the goals weren't met.'
Don't Overdo It
If you use this in a text message to your mom about dinner, she might think you've been hacked by a dictionary. Save it for when you want to sound impressive.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to make an educated guess based on evidence.
- Used to soften claims and avoid sounding too aggressive.
- Common in academic writing, business reports, and formal debates.
What It Means
It can be surmised that is a high-level way to share an educated guess. Think of it as a bridge between 'I think' and 'I know.' You use it when you have some evidence, but you aren't 100% sure. It is like saying, 'Looking at the clues, here is my best theory.' It keeps you safe from being wrong because you aren't claiming it as an absolute fact.
How To Use It
Put this phrase at the very beginning of your sentence. It acts as a soft cushion for the information that follows.
It can be surmised that the party was a success.It can be surmised that he forgot his keys.
Notice how it makes you sound like a detective in a movie? It is great for adding a bit of intellectual weight to your speech. Just don't use it for every sentence, or you'll sound like a robot!
When To Use It
Use this in professional settings or academic writing. It is perfect for meetings when you are looking at data.
- In a meeting:
It can be surmised that sales will rise next month. - Analyzing a situation:
It can be surmised that they aren't coming.
It is also fun to use when you want to be slightly dramatic or ironic with friends. If your friend arrives soaked in water, you could say, It can be surmised that it's raining outside.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in very casual, high-energy moments. If your house is on fire, don't say, It can be surmised that we should leave. Just yell 'Run!' Also, don't use it if you have 100% proof. If you see someone eat a cookie, don't surmise it—just say they ate it. Using it for obvious facts makes you sound a bit pretentious or sarcastic.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and academic circles, love 'hedging.' This is the cultural habit of avoiding directness to stay polite. We don't like to be proven wrong! Using phrases like this protects your reputation. It shows you are thoughtful and consider all possibilities. It’s a very 'gentlemanly' or 'scholarly' way to communicate.
Common Variations
If surmised feels too heavy, you can try these:
One might assume that...It appears that...It stands to reason that...We can gather that...
These all do the same job but with slightly different 'flavors' of formality.
Usage Notes
This is a C1-level academic hedging device. It is primarily used in formal writing or professional speech to distance the speaker from a claim, thereby reducing personal accountability for potential inaccuracies.
The 'Passive' Power
This phrase uses the passive voice ('It can be...'). This is a secret weapon in English to avoid blaming people. Instead of saying 'You failed,' you say 'It can be surmised that the goals weren't met.'
Don't Overdo It
If you use this in a text message to your mom about dinner, she might think you've been hacked by a dictionary. Save it for when you want to sound impressive.
The British 'Maybe'
In British culture, being too direct is often seen as rude. Using 'surmised' is a classic way to be polite while still being very clear about what you think.
Examples
6It can be surmised that the recent server outage affected our user engagement.
We can guess the server crash caused the lower numbers.
Professional way to link cause and effect without blaming someone directly.
Looking at your coffee cup, it can be surmised that you didn't sleep much.
I'm guessing you're tired because you're drinking so much coffee.
Using formal language in a casual way to be slightly playful.
It can be surmised that the king's decision was influenced by his advisors.
It's likely the advisors told the king what to do.
Standard academic usage for making claims about the past.
It can be surmised that she’s ghosting us, unfortunately.
I think she's ignoring us.
Humorous use of high-level English for a low-level social drama.
From his silence, it can be surmised that he needs some space right now.
He's quiet, so he probably just needs to be alone.
Softens a difficult realization to make it easier to hear.
It can be surmised that a tornado—or perhaps just your pasta—hit this kitchen.
This kitchen is a total mess.
Sarcastic and witty way to point out a mess.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the formal deduction.
Based on the empty fridge, it can be ___ that no one has gone shopping lately.
'Surmised' means to conclude based on evidence, which fits the 'empty fridge' clue.
Identify the most appropriate context for this phrase.
In which situation is 'It can be surmised that' most appropriate?
This is a formal, academic phrase best suited for analytical writing.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of Guessing
Talking to friends
I reckon...
Standard daily talk
I guess that...
Professional/Academic
It can be surmised that...
Legal or scientific
One may postulate that...
When to Surmise
Business Meeting
Predicting market trends
Academic Writing
Interpreting study results
Sarcastic Joke
Pointing out the obvious
Detective Work
Piecing together clues
Practice Bank
2 exercisesBased on the empty fridge, it can be ___ that no one has gone shopping lately.
'Surmised' means to conclude based on evidence, which fits the 'empty fridge' clue.
In which situation is 'It can be surmised that' most appropriate?
This is a formal, academic phrase best suited for analytical writing.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means to form an opinion or a guess without having all the evidence. For example, if you see wet umbrellas, you can surmise that it is raining.
Yes, it is much more formal and suggests you are using logic. I think is personal, while It can be surmised sounds like an objective observation.
Only if you are being funny or ironic. Otherwise, it sounds way too stiff for a casual chat with friends.
They are similar, but surmised implies a deeper level of reasoning. It seems is more about your immediate impression.
It sounds like 'ser-MIZED' (rhymes with 'prized'). The emphasis is on the second syllable.
Yes, but mostly in writing, law, or high-level business. It is slightly more common in British English.
Yes, you can! I surmise that is a bit more direct. It can be surmised is even more detached and formal.
Using it when you are 100% certain. If you say It can be surmised that 2+2=4, people will think you are being weirdly cautious.
Not really, but it can sound 'cold' or 'unemotional' because it is so logical.
Absolutely! It shows you have a great vocabulary and that you think before you speak. For example: It can be surmised that your company values innovation.
Related Phrases
It stands to reason that
Used to say that something is logical or obvious.
One could argue that
A way to present a theory that others might disagree with.
In all likelihood
A formal way to say 'probably'.
The evidence suggests that
A very common academic way to introduce a conclusion.
