We assumed

USAGE SUMMARY

"We assumed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement about something that people assumed rather than proved or observed. For example, "We assumed that the meeting was cancelled, but it turns out it was still taking place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We assumed we could manage.

The New York Times

We assumed an innocent woman was guilty.

The New York Times

We assumed 90% CO2 capture and storage.

The New York Times

We assumed the vetting had been done.

The Guardian

We assumed there would be other nights..

The New Yorker

"We assumed we'd have quite a crowd".

The New York Times

"We assumed we were doing right".

The New York Times

"We assumed no one would be interested.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We assumed there would be other nights.

The New Yorker

We assumed men, relationships, maybe marriage, would come along.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We assumed he was just a little shy around "girls".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "We assumed", be clear about the basis for the assumption. Providing context helps readers understand why the assumption was made and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "We assumed" without any supporting evidence or reasoning. This can weaken your argument and make your conclusions less credible. Instead, provide a brief explanation of why the assumption was made.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "We assumed" functions as a declarative statement indicating a belief or supposition held by the speaker or a group represented by the speaker. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase introduces something that was taken as true without concrete proof.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

56%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "We assumed" is a common and versatile phrase used to introduce a belief or expectation that was held prior to a particular event or realization. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its function is to establish a prior belief, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. As seen in Ludwig's examples, its usage is particularly frequent in news and science contexts. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide context for the assumption to enhance clarity and avoid unsubstantiated claims. Related phrases like "We presumed" or "We took for granted" offer nuanced alternatives, and this detailed analysis provides a strong foundation for understanding and using "We assumed" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

We presumed

Replaces "assumed" with a slightly more formal synonym suggesting a belief based on probability or strong likelihood, but without absolute proof.

We took for granted

Indicates something was accepted without question or critical thought, differing slightly from actively assuming.

We presupposed

Implies a belief held beforehand as a necessary condition or assumption, often in academic or philosophical contexts.

We conjectured

Suggests an assumption based on incomplete evidence, more tentative and speculative than a simple assumption.

We inferred

Highlights the process of deriving a conclusion from evidence or reasoning, differing from a straightforward assumption.

We gathered

Indicates that a conclusion was reached from collected information or observations, rather than a pre-existing belief.

We anticipated

Focuses on expecting something to happen in the future, while "assumed" implies a current belief about a past or present situation.

We had supposed

Indicates a previous belief that may or may not be accurate, adding a layer of past-tense reflection.

We had it in mind

Focuses on the mental conception or intention rather than the act of assuming something to be true.

We were under the impression

Emphasizes the subjective feeling or understanding that led to the belief, rather than the belief itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "We assumed" to introduce an idea or fact that was taken for granted, often before an event or realization. For example, "We assumed the project would be completed on time, but unforeseen delays occurred."

What's a more formal way to say "We assumed"?

A more formal alternative to "We assumed" is "We presumed". For example, "We presumed that all participants had prior knowledge of the subject matter."

What is the difference between "We assumed" and "We inferred"?

"We assumed" means taking something for granted without proof, while "We inferred" means reaching a conclusion based on evidence. For example, "We assumed they were late because of traffic" versus "We inferred they were late because they didn't respond to our messages".

When is it inappropriate to use "We assumed"?

It's inappropriate to use "We assumed" when you have concrete evidence or proof. In such cases, it's better to state the fact directly. For example, instead of saying "We assumed the data was accurate", say "The data was verified to be accurate."