Presume

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For me, it registered as a dramatic manifestation of Ramsay's controlling malevolence and Sansa's suffering, which I presume was what was intended.

The Guardian - Opinion

The committee chairman agreed – that there was a link between miasma and fever – but would only go so far as to say: "I should presume that over-crowded burying-grounds would supply such effluvia most abundantly".

The Guardian

Never again have I been so quick to presume I understand the pressures other people operate under.

The Guardian - Opinion

I turn away for an instant and when my attention returns to the scene, I notice the red-streaked woman has disappeared into what I presume is the van.

The Guardian

She accuses the prime minister of neglecting wise counsel (including, we presume, her own) and permitting a drift away from "commitment to the rule of law" and "international justice".

The Guardian - Opinion

Also, many African professionals in Europe I have spoken to get exhausted by constantly being underestimated in their workplaces because it is assumed that since they grew up and went to school in a poor, backward environment (as many presume all of Africa is), they can't know terribly much after all.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think the suggestion made by Mr Miliband shows that his head [I presume Major meant heart] is in the right place, but I don't think it's a workable proposition.

The Guardian

Germany's wear (I presume) white shirts with that black and gold blaze across the front, white shorts and white socks.

The Guardian - Sport

"If they don't see us firing they will presume we have abandoned the positions and they start moving against us," said a young soldier.

The Guardian

Don't presume anything about your students; you never know what their background is or what issues they may be battling.

The Guardian

But if he were staring at you, I presume it wouldn't be okay, that you would make a laughing stock out of him.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "presume" when you want to indicate a belief based on reasonable evidence, but without absolute certainty. It adds a layer of intellectual consideration to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "presume" in contexts that demand factual accuracy or legal precision. In such situations, rely on verifiable data rather than assumptions.

Linguistic Context

The word "presume" functions primarily as a verb. It indicates making an assumption about something, often based on probability or available information. Ludwig confirms this usage is correct and widespread. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "presume" is a verb used to express an assumption or belief, often based on reasonable evidence but without absolute certainty. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and usable in written English. It is very common in news and media, formal business settings, and science. When writing, use "presume" to add a layer of intellectual consideration to your statement, but avoid it in contexts that demand factual accuracy. Alternatives include "assume", "suppose" and "infer".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Assume

A more direct synonym, lacking the slight tentativeness sometimes implied by "presume".

Suppose

Implies a more provisional assumption, often used when considering possibilities.

Take for granted

Suggests assuming something is true without questioning it, sometimes carrying a negative connotation.

Conclude

Indicates reaching a belief based on available evidence, but not necessarily definitive proof.

Infer

Suggests drawing a conclusion from evidence or reasoning.

Daresay

An older, more formal way to express a tentative assumption.

Surmise

To infer something without sufficient evidence, often implying intuition or guesswork.

Imagine

To form a mental image or concept of something, with less emphasis on logical deduction.

Expect

To anticipate or predict something will happen, based on past experience or knowledge.

Gather

To deduce or understand something from available information, similar to infer but less formal.

FAQs

How to use "presume" in a sentence?

You can use "presume" to express an assumption based on available information. For example, "I presume you've already finished your homework."

What can I say instead of "presume"?

You can use alternatives like "assume", "suppose", or "infer", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "presume" and "assume" are correct, but "presume" often implies a slightly more tentative or reasoned basis for the assumption than "assume".

What's the difference between "presume" and "suppose"?

"Presume" generally implies a stronger basis for the assumption than "suppose". "Suppose" is often used for hypothetical situations or when considering possibilities, while "presume" suggests a more likely scenario based on evidence.