I presume

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I presume" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express an assumption or belief about something based on available information or evidence. Example: "I presume you have completed the report since the deadline was yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

(I presume by design).

The New York Times

I presume he did.

The New Yorker

I presume he's delighted Wrong.

Independent

"I presume it was".

The Guardian

A blow-up, I presume?

The New York Times

"Not the band, I presume.

The Guardian - Sport

But I presume too much.

The New Yorker

This, I presume, is the new home.

The Economist

(They work for the military, I presume).

The New Yorker

A brand name, I presume.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I. Presume.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I presume" when you want to express a polite, yet confident assumption, especially when you have some, but not complete, evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "I presume" excessively in formal writing, as it can sometimes sound presumptuous. Consider using alternatives like "I believe" or "I understand" to maintain a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I presume" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing an assumption or expectation. It is used to convey that the speaker believes something to be true, often based on available information or context. As noted by Ludwig, it's a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I presume" is a versatile phrase used to express assumptions or expectations with varying degrees of confidence. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed, mainly within news and media contexts. While generally neutral to slightly formal, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider context-appropriate alternatives like "I assume" or "I believe" to maintain the desired tone and prevent any impression of presumptuousness. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its wide applicability across diverse situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I assume

Slightly less formal than "I presume".

I take it

Suggests an understanding based on prior information or context.

I gather

Implies collecting information to form a conclusion.

I understand

Indicates a comprehension of a situation, possibly inferred.

I infer

Highlights a logical deduction based on evidence.

I surmise

More formal; suggests a speculative conclusion.

I deduce

Emphasizes a reasoned conclusion based on known facts.

I expect

Focuses on anticipating a particular outcome.

It is my understanding

Formal way of expressing a belief based on information received.

I anticipate

Suggests expecting something to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "I presume" in a sentence?

You can use "I presume" to express an assumption or belief. For example, "I presume you've already finished the report" suggests you believe the report is complete, possibly because it was due.

What are some alternatives to "I presume"?

Alternatives include "I assume", "I take it", "I gather", or "I infer". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "I presume" and "I assume"?

"I presume" often implies a slightly more formal and confident assumption than "I assume". However, in many contexts, they are interchangeable.

When is it inappropriate to use "I presume"?

It might be inappropriate to use "I presume" when you lack any basis for your assumption or when addressing someone in a situation that demands extreme deference. In such cases, a more cautious phrase would be better.