It may be inferred that
Academic essay writing expression
Literally: One can deduce from this that
In 15 Seconds
- Used for logical deductions based on evidence.
- Highly formal, perfect for academic writing.
- Often uses passive voice for objectivity.
- Distinguishes deduction (infer) from suggestion (imply).
Meaning
This phrase is a sophisticated way to say 'based on the evidence, we can conclude that.' It's like being a detective who connects the dots to find a hidden truth without it being shouted at you. It suggests a logical step from a known fact to a reasonable assumption.
Key Examples
3 of 10Writing a university history essay
From the king's sudden departure, it may be inferred that he feared a coup.
From the king's sudden departure, we can conclude he feared a coup.
Analyzing a business report on Zoom
Given the drop in user engagement, it may be inferred that the new UI is confusing.
Because engagement dropped, we can assume the new UI is confusing.
Discussing a mystery movie on a forum
Based on the muddy boots in the hallway, it may be inferred that the butler was outside.
The muddy boots suggest the butler was outside.
Cultural Background
British scholars often use 'it may be inferred' to avoid sounding 'brash' or overly confident. It is a form of intellectual politeness. In US courts, 'inference' is a specific legal term. A jury is often instructed on what they 'may infer' from certain evidence. In high-context cultures, inference is a daily social necessity. While the English phrase is formal, the *act* of inferring (reading the air) is a core social skill. Scientists use this phrase to distinguish between 'results' (what happened) and 'conclusions' (what it means). It protects the researcher from being seen as biased.
The 'Objective' Shield
Use this phrase in essays when you want to criticize someone's work without sounding like it's a personal attack. It makes the criticism sound like a logical necessity.
Don't Overuse
Using this phrase more than twice in one page of writing can make your prose feel heavy and 'stuffy'. Mix it up with 'This suggests' or 'Consequently'.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for logical deductions based on evidence.
- Highly formal, perfect for academic writing.
- Often uses passive voice for objectivity.
- Distinguishes deduction (infer) from suggestion (imply).
What It Means
Ever felt like a detective? You see a wet umbrella. You see a dripping raincoat. You conclude it is raining. That logic is what It may be inferred that captures. It is the language of deduction. It moves from evidence to a logical result. You are not just guessing. You are using your brain. It feels very smart. It adds weight to your thoughts. It sounds like you have done your homework. It is a C1 level powerhouse. Use it to sound like an expert.
How To Use It
This phrase usually starts a sentence. It introduces a conclusion. It uses the passive voice. This makes it sound objective. It is not just your opinion. It is what the facts say. You follow it with a clause. For example, It may be inferred that the market is growing. You are pointing at the data. You are the messenger of logic. It is like pointing at a crime scene. Don't use it for simple things. Nobody says this about a sandwich. Keep it for big ideas. It likes to live in paragraphs. It loves being surrounded by facts.
Formality & Register
This is top-tier formal English. You will find it in academic journals. You will hear it in legal courts. It is the 'tuxedo' of phrases. Do not wear it to a beach party. It is perfect for university essays. It works well in business reports. It shows you are serious. It creates distance between you and the claim. This makes your argument stronger. It sounds less biased. If you use this while gaming, your friends might laugh. Unless you are playing a high-stakes strategy game. Then, you look like a genius.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine reading a tech blog. The author sees Apple buying glass. They say, It may be inferred that a new headset is coming. They are connecting dots. Or think about a Netflix documentary. The narrator looks at old letters. It may be inferred that they were secret lovers. It builds suspense. Even in AI prompts! You give the AI data. You ask what can be inferred. It is about reading between the lines. It is the 'subtext' champion.
When To Use It
Use it when writing a thesis. Use it during a job interview. Especially when discussing industry trends. It shows you can analyze. It is great for LinkedIn articles. Use it when you want to be persuasive. If you are debating a point, this is your shield. It grounds your argument in logic. It is the best way to bridge facts. When you see a pattern, use this. It turns a 'hunch' into a 'deduction'.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it in a WhatsApp group. 'It may be inferred that you are late' sounds weird to a friend. Just say 'You're late, dude.' Avoid it in casual TikTok comments. It makes you look like a bot. Don't use it for obvious things. It may be inferred that the sun is hot is just silly. It needs complexity. If the conclusion is simple, use simple words. Save this for the deep stuff.
Common Mistakes
Many people confuse 'infer' and 'imply'. This is the classic trap. A speaker 'implies' something. A listener 'infers' it. Don't say I am inferring that you are mean. You are usually the one doing the thinking. Another mistake is using it without evidence. You need a 'why' before the 'inferred'. ✗ It may be inferred that he is sad (no reason) → ✓ Based on his silence, it may be inferred that he is sad.
Common Variations
In less formal settings, you might say It seems that. Or This suggests that. In very legal settings, you hear It is reasonable to conclude. Some people say One can infer. That is a bit more active. You might also see It is implied that. But that is different! That means the source was subtle. It may be inferred puts the power in your logic.
Real Conversations
Professor
Student
It may be inferred that global warming is accelerating.Professor
Boss
Manager
It may be inferred that our new marketing campaign is working.Boss
Quick FAQ
Is it too formal for an email? Yes, usually. Stick to 'This suggests' for colleagues. Is it only for writing? Mostly, but it works in formal speeches too. Can I use it in IELTS? Yes! It is a high-score phrase. It shows range. Does it mean 'maybe'? Not quite. It means 'it is logically possible'. It is stronger than a guess. Can I use 'from' with it? Yes, It may be inferred from the data that... is a very common structure.
Usage Notes
This phrase is strictly formal and should be reserved for academic, legal, or high-level professional contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversation or texting. Ensure that you have provided evidence prior to using the phrase to maintain logical flow.
The 'Objective' Shield
Use this phrase in essays when you want to criticize someone's work without sounding like it's a personal attack. It makes the criticism sound like a logical necessity.
Don't Overuse
Using this phrase more than twice in one page of writing can make your prose feel heavy and 'stuffy'. Mix it up with 'This suggests' or 'Consequently'.
Sarcastic Inference
In British English, this phrase is sometimes used sarcastically to point out something incredibly obvious. 'He's wearing a crown; it may be inferred that he thinks he's important.'
Examples
10From the king's sudden departure, it may be inferred that he feared a coup.
From the king's sudden departure, we can conclude he feared a coup.
Shows a logical conclusion based on a specific action.
Given the drop in user engagement, it may be inferred that the new UI is confusing.
Because engagement dropped, we can assume the new UI is confusing.
Professional analysis of data trends.
Based on the muddy boots in the hallway, it may be inferred that the butler was outside.
The muddy boots suggest the butler was outside.
Detective-style reasoning in a semi-formal discussion.
From my silence, it may be inferred that I am busy living my best life.
My silence means I'm busy having fun.
Humorous use of high-level English in a casual setting.
It may be inferred that the defendant had prior knowledge of the transaction.
We can conclude the defendant knew about the deal beforehand.
Standard legal phrasing for building a case.
Since the plants died despite watering, it may be inferred that the soil is toxic.
The plants died, so the soil must be toxic.
Scientific deduction based on observation.
✗ It may be inferred that he likes me because he liked my photo. → ✓ He probably likes me since he liked my photo.
He probably likes me since he liked my photo.
The phrase is too stiff for a casual text message.
✗ The author infers that the war was a mistake. → ✓ The author implies that the war was a mistake.
The author suggests the war was a mistake.
The author creates the meaning (implies); the reader finds it (infers).
From her lack of response to his texts, it may be inferred that the relationship is over.
Her not replying suggests it's over.
Using formal logic to describe a sad social situation.
Given the empty tables on a Friday night, it may be inferred that the food is mediocre.
Empty tables mean the food isn't great.
Logical deduction based on social proof.
Test Yourself
Complete the formal sentence using the correct form of the phrase.
From the sudden silence in the room, it ____ ____ ____ that the news was unwelcome.
The passive construction 'may be inferred' is required after the dummy subject 'it'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly to maintain a formal, objective tone?
Choose the best option:
This option uses the correct passive construction and the correct verb (infer vs imply).
Complete the dialogue between two lawyers.
Lawyer A: 'The defendant's fingerprints were not on the weapon.' Lawyer B: 'Indeed. From this, ____ ____ ____ ____ that he did not handle the gun.'
'It may be inferred' is the most formal and appropriate choice for a legal context.
Match the evidence to the inference.
Evidence: 'The company's stock price has tripled in two days.'
A rising stock price logically leads to the inference of investor optimism.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 'It may be inferred that'
Formal
- • Law Court
- • Thesis Paper
- • Lab Report
Informal (Avoid)
- • Dinner Party
- • Texting
- • Sports Game
Practice Bank
4 exercisesFrom the sudden silence in the room, it ____ ____ ____ that the news was unwelcome.
The passive construction 'may be inferred' is required after the dummy subject 'it'.
Choose the best option:
This option uses the correct passive construction and the correct verb (infer vs imply).
Lawyer A: 'The defendant's fingerprints were not on the weapon.' Lawyer B: 'Indeed. From this, ____ ____ ____ ____ that he did not handle the gun.'
'It may be inferred' is the most formal and appropriate choice for a legal context.
Evidence: 'The company's stock price has tripled in two days.'
A rising stock price logically leads to the inference of investor optimism.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, they are almost identical. 'May' is slightly more formal and suggests a possibility, while 'can' suggests a logical capability.
Only if you are joking or trying to sound like a professor. It is too formal for casual texting.
Inference is a general term for reaching a conclusion. Deduction is a specific type of inference where you go from a general rule to a specific case. In most writing, they are used as synonyms.
No, 'it' is a dummy subject (pleonastic). It doesn't refer to a noun; it just fills the subject position to allow for the passive voice.
Yes! You can say 'It may be inferred from the data that...' This is a very common and correct variation.
It is equally common in both, especially in academic, legal, and scientific circles.
Not quite. A guess can be random. An inference must be based on evidence.
Yes. 'It might be inferred that' sounds slightly more cautious or tentative than 'may'.
It's two syllables: in-FURD. The stress is on the second part.
It is almost always 'inferred that' when followed by a full thought (a clause).
Related Phrases
It follows that
similarUsed to show a direct logical consequence.
It stands to reason that
similarUsed to say something is logical or obvious.
To read between the lines
similarTo find a hidden meaning.
To jump to conclusions
contrastTo make an inference too quickly without enough evidence.
