I assume

USAGE SUMMARY

'I assume' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing an opinion based on what you believe or think is true, but you don't have facts to prove it. For example, "I assume he's coming to the party tonight since he said he would."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(i) Assume that.

Advances in Difference Equations

I assume he's joking.

Independent

"I assume they were".

The New York Times

I assume it perfectly.

The New York Times

I assume not.

The Economist

I assume that's facetious.

The New York Times

A joke, I assume.

The New Yorker

I assume you would not.

The New York Times - Magazine

I assume she passed away".

The New York Times

I assume so," she said.

Independent

I assume it's about values.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I assume" when you're stating an opinion based on incomplete information. It's a polite way to express your belief without asserting it as a fact.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "I assume" without seeking confirmation. Always strive to verify your assumptions, especially in professional or academic contexts, to prevent misunderstandings and inaccuracies.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I assume" is as a declarative statement expressing a belief or supposition. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to convey an opinion without asserting it as a definitive fact. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I assume" is a versatile phrase used to express a belief or supposition, with Ludwig confirming its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to soften statements and offer tentative conclusions across diverse registers. Ludwig's examples reveal its consistent application in conveying opinions without absolute certainty. When using this phrase, prioritize verifying assumptions to maintain accuracy and prevent misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I presume

This alternative is a more formal way to express assumption.

I suppose

This is a common and slightly less formal way to express assumption.

I surmise

This alternative indicates a more thoughtful or reasoned assumption.

I gather

This suggests forming an opinion based on indirect information.

I infer

This indicates deriving a conclusion from evidence or reasoning.

I deduce

This implies reaching a conclusion through logical deduction.

I understand

This suggests an understanding or conclusion based on context.

I expect

This conveys an anticipation or expectation about something.

I imagine

This indicates forming a mental image or supposition.

I reckon

This is an informal way to say you assume something, typical in some dialects.

FAQs

How to use "I assume" in a sentence?

"I assume" is used to express a belief or expectation, as in "I assume he's coming to the meeting, since he RSVP'd yes."

What can I say instead of "I assume"?

You can use alternatives like "I suppose", "I presume", or "I imagine" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I assume" or "I presume"?

Both "I assume" and "I presume" are correct, but "I presume" is generally considered more formal than "I assume".

What's the difference between "I assume" and "I expect"?

"I assume" suggests a belief based on limited evidence, while "I expect" implies a stronger anticipation based on prior knowledge or agreements.