a bold assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bold assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a conclusion that has been made without much evidence or consideration of other possibilities. For example, "We assume that the new policy will be successful, but it's a bold assumption given the lack of information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

When Mr. Maharidge makes a bold assumption — "I imagine Bill de Blasio had the same father I had" — it does not seem unreasonable.

The New York Times

It is a bold assumption that the government's strategy would prevent this, and the risks should be obvious that military intervention would merely clear the field for the next wave of extremists.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It may have waned because he's been in custody, mostly, for the last few years but to suggest that he couldn't operate and pick up contacts and reposition himself in the future is probably a bold assumption".

BBC

Furthermore, it is a bold assumption to hope, as Dewey does, that complex industrial societies can be characterised by a high level of harmony among the interests of their members, to be secured through public discussion and communication.

SEP

One obvious observation here is that the Web Profile design is reminiscent of Facebook's Timeline, and it's not a bold assumption that the company's acquirer would have some influence on the startup, even to the point of hastening its move to web.

TechCrunch

Such a bold assumption is appealing in its simplicity but almost certainly wrong.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

For GM to say we're going to throw $4 billion into this business and be an industry leader is a pretty bold assumption.

Forbes

He only said, 'You would do it for me,' which is a pretty bold assumption, but, O.K., I guess he's right," she said.

The New York Times

Moody's released the following calculations: Assuming the exchange rate of the dollar falls from about 0.67 euro currently to 0.50 euro over the next two years - a very bold assumption - China is expected to lose close to $260 billion in valuation losses, while Japan could lose $190 billion.

Huffington Post

This is a rather bold assumption where we consider that the genetic code and the primitive life forms are actually originated and matured in a eukaryote-like lineage where a relatively complete compartmentalization has been achieved with a separation between the nucleus and the cytosol but DNA may have not been fully utilized as genetic material.

Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics

"There's been some concern about a market slowdown affecting companies like F5," says Christopher S. Russ, senior equity analyst at First Union Securities, "but we haven't made any bold assumptions about revenue growth or profitability, so I think our estimates are reasonable".

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bold assumption", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the assumption is considered bold. This could be due to a lack of evidence, potential risks, or significant consequences if incorrect.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a bold assumption" as a fact. Always frame it as an assumption and acknowledge its speculative nature, to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bold assumption" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject complement or object. It identifies a specific assumption characterized by its audacity or lack of supporting evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

23%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bold assumption" is a noun phrase used to describe an assumption that lacks sufficient evidence, often implying a degree of risk or audacity. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts, making it suitable for neutral to professional settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the reasons for considering the assumption as "bold", emphasizing potential risks or lack of evidence. Remember to present the assumption as such, rather than as an established fact, to maintain credibility and encourage further investigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a daring presumption

Emphasizes the risk-taking aspect of the assumption, highlighting its potentially audacious nature.

an audacious supposition

Focuses on the boldness and sometimes recklessness of the assumption, implying a lack of restraint.

a speculative leap

Highlights the conjectural nature of the assumption, portraying it as a jump to a conclusion without firm footing.

an unwarranted assertion

Stresses the lack of justification for the assumption, suggesting it's made without proper grounds.

an unsubstantiated claim

Points out the absence of evidence supporting the assumption, indicating it remains unproven.

a presumptuous inference

Highlights that the assumption is based on too much confidence and too little evidence.

an adventurous guess

Emphasizes the speculative nature and the uncertainty of the assumption.

a sweeping generalization

Indicates that the assumption applies broadly without accounting for specific cases.

a confident hypothesis

Suggests a level of certainty in the assumption even before it has been tested.

an overconfident belief

Highlights the excessive conviction in the assumption, possibly ignoring contradictory evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "a bold assumption" in a sentence?

You can use "a bold assumption" to point out a statement or belief that is made without sufficient evidence. For example, "Assuming the project will be completed on time is "a bold assumption" given the current delays".

What are some alternatives to "a bold assumption"?

Alternatives to "a bold assumption" include "a daring presumption", "an audacious supposition", or "a speculative leap", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to make "a bold assumption"?

Making "a bold assumption" can be appropriate when exploring hypothetical scenarios or when limited information is available, but it should always be clearly identified as such and the potential risks should be acknowledged.

How can I avoid making "a bold assumption"?

To avoid making "a bold assumption", gather sufficient evidence, consider alternative possibilities, and acknowledge the limitations of your information. A thorough analysis can help to reduce reliance on unsubstantiated beliefs.