a broad assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broad assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a general or wide-ranging belief or idea that may not be based on specific evidence or detailed analysis. Example: "Making a broad assumption about the project's success without considering the challenges could lead to significant setbacks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

That seems to me a broad assumption, because none of those allegations yielded as intensive an inquiry, with as voluminous a record, as the Lewinsky affair did.

The New York Times - Books

There is a broad assumption that festival noise pollution is one way in its flow – the late-night revellers returning to their canvas before dawn.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is unfair, Mr. Madarasz said, to make a broad assumption that most state workers try to take advantage of the system to gain higher pensions.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, there is a broad assumption that the health care law will earn Supreme Court review, although it could take two years or more to get there.

The New York Times - Health

Although both Young Labour and Conservative Future, the Tories' youth wing, claim around 15,000 members, there's a broad assumption among the young people I spoke to that you enter student politics primarily for CV points.

The Guardian

Google's statements on this matter, though, squelch a broad assumption in the market that its goal is to become a leading video distributor.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

This concept is based on the assumption that the patient's insight into research-based information will raise the quality of his or her health care decision-making, and is part of a broader assumption that a better public understanding of science in general will enrich society and the individual [ 2].

BMC Health Services Research

There is a long-standing, broad assumption that hospitals will ably receive and efficiently provide comprehensive care to victims following a mass casualty event.

Critical Care

"The broad assumption is that a high percentage of their black and Latino employees work in their warehouses".

Huffington Post

By searching for what Tina Hunt called "the key that turns the lock," a capital-defense attorney operates on the broad assumption that the perpetrators of terrible crimes are also victims themselves — indeed, that only victims of mental illness or awful circumstances could commit such crimes.

The New Yorker

Anderson made the broad assumption that 'Poisson's ratio is a function of the shaliness of the sand since the shale would act essential as a plastic bonding agent'.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a broad assumption", ensure you acknowledge the lack of specific evidence and consider potential exceptions or counterarguments to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a broad assumption" as an undisputed fact. Instead, frame it as a starting point for discussion or further investigation, acknowledging its limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad assumption" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a general belief or idea that is widely held but may lack specific supporting evidence. Ludwig AI confirms this through example sentences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad assumption" is a noun phrase used to introduce a general, often unsupported belief. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, though it is most frequently found in news and media and scientific writing. When using "a broad assumption", it is crucial to acknowledge its potential limitations and avoid presenting it as an absolute truth. Alternatives like "a general presumption" or "a sweeping generalization" can provide slightly different nuances depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a general presumption

Replaces assumption with presumption, highlighting the idea of something taken for granted.

a sweeping generalization

Changes from assumption to generalization, focusing on the act of making a wide-ranging statement.

a large-scale premise

Replaces assumption with premise, indicating a foundational idea on which an argument is based.

a prevalent notion

Replaces assumption with notion, indicating a widely held but perhaps vague idea.

a wide-ranging belief

Substitutes assumption with belief, emphasizing the cognitive aspect of the idea.

an overarching hypothesis

Alters to hypothesis, implying a broad, testable statement that serves as the basis for investigation.

a widespread conviction

Changes assumption to conviction, stressing a firmly held belief that is shared by many.

a generalized expectation

Substitutes assumption with expectation, emphasizing an anticipation of something happening broadly.

a far-reaching conclusion

Changes to conclusion, suggesting a judgment or decision made based on broad but potentially incomplete information.

a common misconception

Alters to misconception, suggesting the assumption is not only broad but also inaccurate.

FAQs

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

You can use "a broad assumption" to introduce a general belief or idea that may not be based on specific evidence. For example, "There's "a broad assumption" that technology always improves productivity, but this isn't always the case".

What's a good alternative to "a broad assumption"?

Alternatives include "a general presumption", "a sweeping generalization", or "a prevalent notion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to make "a broad assumption"?

Not necessarily. While "a broad assumption" can sometimes lead to errors, it can also be a useful starting point for exploring a topic or developing a hypothesis. The key is to acknowledge the assumption and be prepared to revise it based on new evidence.

What is the difference between "a broad assumption" and "a specific assumption"?

"A broad assumption" is a general belief or idea that applies widely, while "a specific assumption" is a more targeted belief or idea related to a particular situation or context. Broad assumptions are more prone to exceptions.