a precarious assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precarious assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a belief or idea that is uncertain or risky, often implying that it may lead to negative consequences if relied upon. Example: "The team's strategy was based on a precarious assumption that the market would remain stable, which ultimately led to their downfall."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is even a precarious assumption that the majority itself is truly represented, as it is likely to be a loose coalition of diverse interests, and no single representative can usually do justice to the diversity of interests involved.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

However, I must say that the connection between the reduction of cod and the increasing amount of jellyfish is very thin; it's a quite precarious assumption to point out a connection between the two.

Vice

Building a team on the assumption you will always score more than the other side is a precarious foundation on which to mount a challenge for a 10th continental crown and first since 2002.

Independent

It is a precarious existence.

The Economist

Life is a precarious balance.

The New York Times

They have to maintain a precarious balance.

The Economist

Europe remains in a precarious economic state.

The New York Times

The N.F.L. is in a precarious position.

The New York Times - Sports

But this is a precarious association.

The New York Times - Arts

"WE FIND OURSELVESin a precarious situation".

The New York Times - Magazine

Diggers do not & live a precarious existence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a precarious assumption", ensure that the context clearly indicates the potential negative consequences or risks associated with relying on this assumption. This adds weight to your argument and helps the reader understand the significance of the uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the potential risks associated with "a precarious assumption". Clearly articulate the specific vulnerabilities of the assumption without resorting to hyperbole, which can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precarious assumption" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "precarious" modifies the noun "assumption". It highlights the uncertain or unstable nature of the assumption being discussed. As Ludwig suggests, it's a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a precarious assumption" describes a belief or idea with uncertain or unstable grounds. While grammatically correct and usable as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is relatively rare in occurrence. Its use is appropriate in contexts where highlighting the potential risks or negative consequences of relying on the assumption is important. As shown by the examples, it appears mostly in news, media and encyclopedias. When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the potential pitfalls of the assumption.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a risky assumption

Focuses on the potential for negative outcomes if the assumption proves incorrect.

a shaky assumption

Implies that the assumption lacks a solid foundation or evidence.

a dubious assumption

Suggests that the assumption is questionable and may not be valid.

a fragile assumption

Highlights the vulnerability of the assumption to being disproven or overturned.

an uncertain premise

Emphasizes the lack of certainty in the foundation upon which an argument or decision is based.

a questionable hypothesis

Indicates doubt regarding the validity of the initial scientific guess.

a speculative guess

Highlights the reliance on conjecture rather than concrete facts.

a tentative conclusion

Denotes that the conclusion reached is provisional and subject to revision.

an unfounded belief

Signifies a lack of evidence supporting the belief.

an unsupported claim

Emphasizes that the claim lacks proper substantiation or validation.

FAQs

What does "a precarious assumption" mean?

The phrase "a precarious assumption" refers to a belief or idea that is based on uncertain or unstable grounds, suggesting that it could easily be proven wrong or lead to undesirable outcomes.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a precarious assumption"?

Use "a precarious assumption" when you want to highlight the risk or uncertainty associated with a particular belief or idea. It's suitable when the potential consequences of the assumption being incorrect are significant.

What can I say instead of "a precarious assumption"?

You can use alternatives like "a risky assumption", "a shaky assumption", or "a dubious assumption" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a precarious assumption" the same as "a dangerous assumption"?

While similar, "a precarious assumption" emphasizes the instability or uncertainty of the assumption, whereas "a dangerous assumption" highlights the potential for harmful or negative consequences. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.