a general presumption

USAGE SUMMARY

"a general presumption" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are referring to a belief or opinion that many people have. For example: "There is a general presumption that summer is the best season of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

And there was a general presumption of Republican competence.

The New York Times

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., writing for the majority, said a general presumption against the extraterritorial application of American law barred the suit.

The New York Times

However, there is still a general presumption within the welfare system that the solution to low pay and poverty is to redistribute income through cash benefits.

The Guardian - Opinion

More is always better, indiscriminate access is better than targeted responses, and there's a general presumption that they'll have access to whatever they want, at any time.

The Washington Post

The volume of media coverage created the perception that where there's smoke, there must be fire, and a general presumption of guilt resulted.

The Guardian

Justification for this shift is given by the growing concern associated with more novel stressors, as well as a general presumption that we have a good understanding of the ecological mechanisms that underlie the effects of habitat change.

Biological Conservation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Entrepreneurs will also enjoy faster planning applications alongside a new general presumption in favour of development in the planning system, which could make objecting to it tougher.But resources are limited: a total of £100m to spread over 21 zones and four years.

The Economist

Judge Jimmie V. Renya dissented from the majority opinion, unconvinced that patent agents' activities warranted a departure from the general "presumption against the creation of new privileges". Judge Renya emphasized that the factors that lead the Supreme Court to extend privilege to psychotherapist-patient communications in Jaffee v. Redmond, 518 U.S. 1 (1996), were not present here.

Harvard University

In so holding, the court established for the first time a patent-agent privilege, overcoming the general presumption against finding new forms of privilege.

Harvard University

This conclusion, based on a small sample, runs counter to the general presumption, backed by empirical findings in America, that immigration lowers wages.

The Economist

The latest index of African governance funded by Mo Ibrahim, a Sudanese-born telecoms mogul, suggests a general improvement.The presumption of state control under the rubric of "African socialism" (an illusory third way) has been junked.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a general presumption", ensure that the context clearly indicates whose presumption you are referring to (e.g., "a general presumption among scientists", "a general presumption in society"). This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a general presumption" when the belief is not genuinely widespread or has significant counter-evidence. Qualify the statement to reflect the actual scope of the presumption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general presumption" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a widely held belief or expectation within a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a general presumption" is a noun phrase used to denote a widely held belief or expectation, as validated by Ludwig. While grammatically correct and versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring that the presumption is indeed general and that you clearly specify the context in which it applies. Consider alternatives like "a common assumption" or "a widespread belief" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The sources indicate its common usage in news, academic, and scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common assumption

Emphasizes the widespread acceptance of the belief.

a general expectation

Shifts the focus to what is anticipated rather than what is believed.

a widespread belief

Highlights the breadth of acceptance of the idea.

a prevailing assumption

Highlights that the belief is taken for granted.

a prevailing view

Suggests the belief is currently dominant or most accepted.

a standard expectation

Indicates the belief is considered normal or typical.

a typical expectation

Highlights that what is anticipated is within a set of norms.

a common understanding

Focuses on the shared comprehension of a concept.

a conventional wisdom

Implies the belief is long-standing and widely accepted, perhaps without critical examination.

a societal norm

Emphasizes that the belief is related to cultural and social standards.

FAQs

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

You can use "a general presumption" to introduce an idea or belief that is widely accepted. For example, "There is "a general presumption" that hard work leads to success."

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

"A general presumption" suggests a belief held widely without necessarily being proven, while "a common assumption" implies something taken for granted, often without conscious thought.

What are some alternatives to "a general presumption"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a widespread belief", "a prevailing view", or "a common understanding".

Is it always safe to rely on "a general presumption"?

No, it's essential to critically evaluate any ""a general presumption"" before acting upon it. Even widely held beliefs can be inaccurate or inapplicable in specific situations. Consider the evidence and context before accepting it as true.