What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inductively
Example
She arrived at her theory inductively, after observing patterns in the data. [inductively: adverb]
Example
The teacher used an inductive approach to teach grammar, providing examples for students to analyze. [inductive: adjective]
deductively
Example
He used deductive reasoning to solve the problem, applying a general principle to a specific case. [deductively: adverb]
Example
The teacher used a deductive approach to teach grammar, presenting rules and then applying them to examples. [deductive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deductive is more commonly used than inductive in everyday language. Deductive reasoning is often used in mathematics and philosophy, while inductive reasoning is more commonly used in scientific inquiry and research.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inductively and deductively?
Deductive is typically associated with a more formal tone, while inductive is often used in a more informal or conversational context. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.
