I previously assumed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I previously assumed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that your earlier belief or expectation has changed or been challenged. Example: "I previously assumed that the project would be completed by the end of the month, but now I realize it will take longer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yet until the economy rebounds, questions like "Will I have enough to retire comfortably?" and "Do my spouse and children need a larger inheritance than I previously assumed?" are likely to keep distracting donors from philanthropy.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The bank found that prices in China were closer to world levels than it previously assumed.

The New York Times

That means the OBR thinks we have had less money to spend this year than it previously assumed.

The Guardian

Given the actual code rate for a generic piece i, r i =k i /n i (it was previously assumed that pieces are of fixed length, i.e., k i =k, thus this is a generalization), an index w i can be determined, such that ( tilde {r}_{w_{i} + 1} le r_{i} le tilde {r}_{w_{i}} ).

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

After meeting with my careers advisor, I was left with the daunting prospect of finding work without any contacts, and without the help I had previously assumed I would get.

The Guardian

Take metal, for instance, a genre I had previously assumed was invented for the sole purpose of giving me a headache.

The Guardian - Music

Consequently, the geographic range of L. edwardsi is much smaller than previously assumed, and limited exclusively to IRS I.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Here I review our recent findings indicating that protozoan effects on plant growth are more complex than previously assumed.

European Journal of Protistology

Pretty much all I gained from watching it was the knowledge that my friend's imagination was less vivid than previously assumed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The study found that the theft of assets was far greater than previously assumed.

The New York Times

Newly released archives reveal that the danger was even more severe than historians had previously assumed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I previously assumed" to clearly indicate a shift in your understanding or expectations based on new information or experiences. This helps to demonstrate intellectual honesty and adaptability in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "I previously assumed" when you actually had concrete evidence or knowledge. This phrase is best suited for situations where your belief was based on less solid ground.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I previously assumed" functions as a declarative statement indicating a past belief or expectation held by the speaker. It introduces a contrast between a prior assumption and current understanding, as illustrated by the example Ludwig provides. It is typically used to show a shift in perspective.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I previously assumed" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a contrast between a past assumption and a current understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most common in news, media and scientific contexts. While the phrase itself is correct, it's crucial to ensure its usage is appropriate for the context. According to Ludwig AI, the expression indicates a shift in perspective. When writing, use it to demonstrate intellectual honesty and indicate a change in your beliefs due to new information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I formerly believed

Replaces "assumed" with "believed" and "previously" with "formerly", emphasizing a past conviction.

I once thought

Uses "once thought" to convey a past belief, simpler and slightly less formal.

I had earlier supposed

Substitutes "assumed" with "supposed" and "previously" with "earlier", implying a tentative prior understanding.

I originally presumed

Replaces "assumed" with "presumed" and "previously" with "originally", suggesting an initial expectation.

I initially understood

Emphasizes a prior comprehension that has been revised.

I used to think

Expresses a past belief in a more casual tone.

My initial impression was

Focuses on a first impression that has since been altered.

I was under the impression that

Highlights a prior understanding which might have been incorrect.

I formerly imagined

Replaces "assumed" with "imagined", suggesting a prior idea or concept.

I took it for granted that

Indicates something was accepted without question, which is now being reconsidered.

FAQs

How can I use "I previously assumed" in a sentence?

Use "I previously assumed" to introduce a statement that contrasts with your current understanding, like: "I previously assumed that the project would be easy, but I was wrong."

What are some alternatives to "I previously assumed"?

You can use alternatives like "I formerly believed", "I once thought", or "I originally presumed".

Is it okay to start a formal essay with "I previously assumed"?

While acceptable, starting with "I previously assumed" might sound less authoritative. Consider rephrasing for a stronger opening, such as "Initial analysis suggested..., however..."

What's the difference between "I previously assumed" and "I used to think"?

"I used to think" is more informal. "I previously assumed" is suitable for more formal contexts and implies the assumption was based on some reasoning, however flawed.