a false supposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a false supposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an incorrect belief or assumption that is not based on fact. Example: "The theory was built on a false supposition that all participants would respond the same way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It's a false supposition we can endlessly delay having to interpret and judge things by stacking more and more bits of data in front of us," he says.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's a false assumption".

Forbes

New age gurus such as Deepak Chopra cite epigenetics as a way of changing your life, under the false supposition that genes are destiny, and epigenetic changes brought on by lifestyle choices such as meditation "allows us almost unlimited influence on our fate".

The Guardian

Aristotle remarks that Zeno relies on the false supposition that time is composed of indivisible "nows" or instants (b8 9), a point he soon repeats in identifying the argument purporting to show that "the moving arrow is standing still" as the third of Zeno's paradoxes of motion (b30 3).

SEP

His seminal Penguin Book of English Folk Songs from 1958, compiled with Ralph Vaughan Williams, was intended to dismiss "the false supposition that folk songs are always 'quite nice'" and return folk to its earthy roots.

The Guardian - Music

In any case, even if the nature of disagreements lends some plausibility to cognitivism, moral realists need also to respond to the error theorist's contention that the arguments and disagreements all rest on some false supposition to the effect that there are actually facts of the sort there would have to be for some of the claims to be true.

SEP

A: False.

Los Angeles Times

That's a false dichotomy.

The New York Times

This is a false tradeoff.

The New York Times

"It's a false economy.

Independent

"It's a false rumor".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a false supposition", ensure that you clearly identify what the supposition is and why it is incorrect. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of "a false supposition" without providing sufficient evidence. Clearly articulate the actual impact of the incorrect belief to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

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

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a false supposition" is a noun phrase that denotes an incorrect belief or assumption. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and is suitable for use in various contexts, including news, science and academic writing. While not exceedingly common, its usage is well-established and easily understood. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to clearly identify the supposition and explain why it's incorrect to ensure effective communication. Alternatives such as ""an incorrect assumption"" or ""a mistaken belief"" can be used to convey a similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an incorrect assumption

Replaces 'supposition' with 'assumption', emphasizing the act of taking something for granted incorrectly.

a mistaken belief

Substitutes 'supposition' with 'belief', highlighting the error in holding a particular conviction.

a flawed premise

Focuses on the foundational error in the reasoning or argument.

an unfounded notion

Emphasizes the lack of a solid basis for the idea or belief.

an erroneous hypothesis

Highlights the incorrectness of a proposed explanation or starting point for investigation.

a deceptive idea

Focuses on the misleading nature of the concept.

a fallacious argument

Indicates that the line of reasoning contains a logical flaw.

an invalid conclusion

Points out that the result or inference drawn is not logically sound.

a groundless assumption

Highlights the lack of support or evidence for the belief.

a specious claim

Indicates that the statement appears correct but is actually false.

FAQs

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

You can use "a false supposition" to introduce an idea that is incorrect or based on faulty reasoning. For example, "The argument was built on "a false supposition" that all users have equal access to technology."

What are some alternatives to "a false supposition"?

Alternatives to "a false supposition" include "an incorrect assumption", "a mistaken belief", or "a flawed premise". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

"False supposition" is the more common and idiomatic phrasing. While "incorrect supposition" is understandable, "false supposition" is generally preferred for its conciseness and clarity.

How does "a false supposition" differ from a hypothesis?

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation made as a starting point for further investigation, while "a false supposition" is an assumption or belief that is known or shown to be untrue. A hypothesis is a starting point and "a false supposition" is a conclusion (or starting point) proven to be wrong.