a general assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a widely held belief or idea that is accepted without proof in a particular context. Example: "In many cultures, there is a general assumption that success is measured by wealth and status."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The knowledge from the systematic levels, such as the molecular, cellular, individual, and network levels, represents multiple evidence features to generate a general assumption based on systems pharmacology.

CPT: Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology

And there's a general assumption that, whatever the details, this is what did for Madame Jojo's.

The Guardian

Is it possible to make a general assumption about what material women enjoy?

The Guardian

There's a general assumption that emotional people are always flying off the handle.

The New York Times

There is a general assumption that U.S. banks are prepared for the worst.

The New York Times - Magazine

"There was a general assumption - as the report says - that Russia would get more and more democratic".

The Guardian

There is a general assumption that if pupils could learn to behave well, they would learn more.

The Guardian

In economics, political science and the study of international relations there has been, for about three decades, a general assumption that the current framework is permanent.

The Guardian - Opinion

For much of the time there seemed to be a general assumption that the next election might well result in another stalemate.

The Guardian

There was a general assumption that he might semi-retire, becoming a part-time academic and follow his interests of buying books, looking at architecture or travelling.

The Guardian

Until now, any debate about the best use of improvisation on TV has suffered from a general assumption about whose title it is, anyway.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a general assumption", ensure the context clearly indicates the group or field within which the assumption is prevalent. This adds clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a general assumption" as universally true. Acknowledge that exceptions or counter-evidence may exist, which adds nuance and strengthens your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general assumption" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a premise or belief commonly accepted within a specific context. Ludwig AI provides examples from various sources, confirming its role in setting the stage for further discussion or analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a general assumption" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a widely held belief. As indicated by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in scientific and news media contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the assumption is genuinely widespread and to acknowledge potential exceptions. Alternatives like ""a widespread belief"" or ""a prevailing notion"" can provide nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning. Remember to avoid overstating its generality and always consider the specific context in which it is used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a typical presupposition

Replaces "assumption" with a more formal synonym.

a widespread belief

Emphasizes the breadth of acceptance of the idea.

a prevailing notion

Highlights the current popularity or dominance of the idea.

a common understanding

Focuses on shared knowledge rather than a mere presumption.

an accepted premise

Implies the idea is a starting point for reasoning.

a broad generalization

Emphasizes the lack of specificity in the assumption.

a conventional wisdom

Suggests a long-standing, traditional belief.

a tacit understanding

Implies an unspoken, yet agreed-upon idea.

a standard expectation

Shifts focus to what is typically anticipated or predicted.

a public perception

Highlights how the idea is viewed by the general populace.

FAQs

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

You can use "a general assumption" to introduce a belief that is widely held within a certain context. For example, "There is "a general assumption" that younger generations are more tech-savvy."

What are some alternatives to "a general assumption"?

Alternatives include "a widespread belief", "a prevailing notion", or "a common understanding" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always correct to use "a general assumption"?

While generally correct, using "a general assumption" requires careful consideration of context. Ensure that the assumption is indeed widely held and not merely a personal belief. Otherwise, you might want to provide further evidence for your statement.

What's the difference between "a general assumption" and "a specific assumption"?

"A general assumption" refers to a broad belief held by many, while "a specific assumption" is a particular belief held by an individual or a small group. For instance, ""a general assumption"" about the economy might influence policy, while "a specific assumption" in a research project guides the methodology.