a faulty assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a faulty assumption" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when describing an assumption that is incorrect or flawed in some way. For example: "The entire project was based on a faulty assumption that the market demand for the product would be high." In this sentence, "a faulty assumption" is used to suggest that the assumption made about the market demand was wrong and ultimately led to negative consequences for the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

But that is a faulty assumption.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many people also operate from a faulty assumption about the war's purpose.

The New York Times

The letter goes on to say that any characterization of Aunt Marge as "unpleasant" was based on a faulty assumption.

The New York Times - Magazine

He said the ministry also made a faulty assumption because the special version of Fuchs has drawn a lot of attention since Germany sent six to Kuwait.

The New York Times

But the biggest problem may be that the programs are based on a faulty assumption: that modifying mortgages makes everyone — borrowers and lenders alike — better off.

The New Yorker

"There is a faulty assumption that judges won't agree with prosecutors in the most extreme cases," Kim Dvorchak, the group's executive director, said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

When you defy the status quo (even when you don't make a big deal out of it. *cough*) you implicitly (although unintentionally) suggest to people back at home that their lives are based on a faulty assumptions.

Huffington Post

Characteristically, this is demonstrable of a cataclysmically faulty assumption that if an agency plans effectively for routine operations, disaster scenarios will be adequately prepared for through some standardized fashion.

Emerging Health Threats Journal

The support requirement was also criticized for representing a prejudiced and faulty assumption that newcomers would not make an effort to find a job or a place to live unless there was an explicit requirement to do so (Parliamentary Committee on Social Insurance, 2009/10 16 (2009)).

Comparative Migration Studies

Zhmud argues that the consensus view of Pythagoras' cosmos as presented above is based on the faulty assumption that there was a progression from myth and religion to reason and science in Pythagoreanism.

SEP

Alright, aside from the faulty assumption that I am a 'critical' part of his campaign, there are a few huge things he did right.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a faulty assumption", clearly state what the assumption is and why it is flawed. This provides context and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is based on "a faulty assumption" without explaining the potential consequences of that flawed assumption. Detail how the error affects the outcome or reasoning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a faulty assumption" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies an assumption that is flawed or incorrect, influencing the outcome or conclusion of a situation. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various contexts, illustrating its wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “a faulty assumption” is a useful phrase for pinpointing flaws in reasoning or planning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across varied contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. When employing this phrase, it’s crucial to clearly articulate the assumption and its implications. Consider related alternatives such as “an incorrect assumption” or “a flawed premise” for nuanced expression. Recognizing and addressing “a faulty assumption” is key to sound decision-making and avoiding potential pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an incorrect assumption

Replaces "faulty" with "incorrect", maintaining a similar level of formality and directness.

a false assumption

Uses "false" to directly indicate the untruthfulness of the assumption.

a wrong assumption

Uses "wrong" as a more general synonym for "faulty", slightly reducing the emphasis on the flaw itself.

an erroneous assumption

Employs "erroneous", which is more formal and emphasizes the mistake in the assumption.

an invalid assumption

Uses "invalid" suggesting the assumption is logically incorrect.

a mistaken belief

Substitutes "assumption" with "belief", highlighting the subjective nature of the error.

a flawed premise

Replaces "assumption" with "premise", often used in logical or argumentative contexts.

a dubious assumption

Employs "dubious", suggesting that the assumption is questionable or uncertain.

an unsubstantiated assumption

Highlights the lack of evidence supporting the assumption.

a groundless assumption

Emphasizes that the assumption lacks any reasonable basis.

FAQs

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

Use "a faulty assumption" to point out a flaw in reasoning or a mistake in a plan. For instance, "The project failed because it was based on "a faulty assumption" about market demand."

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

Consider using phrases like "an incorrect assumption", "a wrong assumption", or "a flawed premise" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "a faulty assumption" and "a false assumption"?

While both indicate an incorrect assumption, "faulty" suggests a flaw in the reasoning or method behind the assumption, whereas "false" simply indicates that the assumption is untrue. "A false assumption" may not necessarily have a flaw in its reasoning, it could just be factually incorrect.

Can "a faulty assumption" lead to incorrect conclusions?

Yes, "a faulty assumption" can definitely lead to incorrect conclusions. If the foundation of an argument or decision is based on something flawed, the resulting outcome is likely to be unreliable or inaccurate.