a false assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a false assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a belief or idea that is incorrect or not based on fact. Example: "The project's failure was largely due to a false assumption about the market demand for the product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Under the new legislation, I wouldn't even have been able to support myself through A-levels – it relies on a false assumption that all under-25s can live at home, without providing a safety net to help those for whom this is simply impossible.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a false assumption.

The Guardian - Opinion

"However, this seems to repeatedly be a false assumption".

The New York Times

But most of us already have a plan (though that may be a false assumption, too).

The New York Times

The widespread perception that government is going to do it all is based on a false assumption.

The New York Times

There is a false assumption, she added, that "if something bad happens, people are damaged unless they talk about it".

The New York Times - Arts

That may be a false assumption, given that older people are less likely to switch jobs than younger workers.

The Economist

"That was a false assumption and I will even say I was part of that assumption," Mr. Gensler said.

The New York Times

"It now turns out that the pressure that was put on him and on AT&T generally was based on a false assumption.

The New York Times

But then it grew complacent, apparently due to a false assumption about the election, and even openly joined other organizations in firing on Israel.

The New Yorker

This seems a good place to say that she is promoting a false assumption, namely that the couture collections are tailor-made for the red carpet.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a false assumption", clearly state the assumption and then explain why it is incorrect, providing evidence or reasoning to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "a false assumption" without explaining why. Always provide evidence or reasoning to support your assertion to avoid weakening your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a false assumption" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a belief or idea that is not based on fact. Ludwig AI indicates that is a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a false assumption" is a commonly used noun phrase that serves to point out incorrect beliefs or premises. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal contexts, emphasizing its versatility across various registers. When using this phrase, it is important to clearly identify the assumption and provide supporting evidence for why it is incorrect. Related phrases like "an incorrect belief" or "a mistaken notion" can be used as alternatives to fine-tune the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an incorrect assumption

Replaces "false" with "incorrect", offering a more direct synonym.

a mistaken belief

Shifts from "assumption" to "belief", indicating a held conviction that is wrong.

an unfounded premise

Uses "unfounded" to emphasize the lack of basis for the premise.

an erroneous presupposition

Replaces "assumption" with the more formal "presupposition" and "false" with "erroneous."

a fallacious notion

Substitutes "assumption" with "notion", suggesting a vague or simplistic idea.

a flawed understanding

Focuses on the incorrectness of the comprehension itself.

a deceptive expectation

Highlights that the expectation leads to deception or is misleading.

a specious argument

Emphasizes the misleading nature of the argument built on the false assumption.

a groundless theory

Points out that the theory lacks a solid base or justification.

an unsubstantiated claim

Highlights that the claim lacks evidence or proof to support it.

FAQs

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

You can use "a false assumption" to introduce a claim or belief that is not based on fact. For example: "The project failed because it was based on "a false assumption" about market demand."

What are some alternatives to saying "a false assumption"?

Alternatives include "an incorrect belief", "a mistaken notion", or "an unfounded premise", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "false assumption" or "incorrect assumption"?

Both "false assumption" and "incorrect assumption" are acceptable. "False" implies a lack of truth, while "incorrect" suggests a mistake. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a false assumption" and "a hypothesis"?

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. "A false assumption", on the other hand, is taken as true, but is actually wrong. A hypothesis is subject to testing, while an assumption often underlies a belief or argument without being explicitly examined.