a reasonable assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a conclusion that you have drawn which is based on the available evidence or information. For example: "Given the power outage, it is a reasonable assumption that some of the computer systems will be offline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it's a reasonable assumption.

The Guardian - Opinion

That, too, is a reasonable assumption.

The Guardian - Business

That was a reasonable assumption then, but it is not a reasonable assumption now.

The Guardian

On the surface that seems a reasonable assumption to make.

The Guardian

It's a reasonable assumption, but what's the solution?

The Guardian

That was a reasonable assumption back in January.

The Guardian - Business

Three months ago it looked like a reasonable assumption.

The Guardian - Business

It's a reasonable assumption, even an intuitive one.

Harvard Business Review

Its cousins have some degree of feathers so it's a reasonable assumption".

The Guardian

But that's a reasonable assumption to make, that some day this remarkable streak will end.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It's a reasonable assumption that they did, but we don't know".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reasonable assumption", ensure it is supported by evidence or logical reasoning to enhance its credibility. Provide context to show why the assumption is considered reasonable.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a reasonable assumption" as an absolute fact. Qualify it with phrases like "it is likely that" or "it suggests" to maintain objectivity and avoid misleading the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable assumption" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object of a verb. It identifies a belief or supposition considered justifiable based on available information. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a conclusion drawn based on evidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable assumption" is a widely used phrase for introducing a belief or supposition considered justifiable. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and serves to present a proposition likely to be true, though not definitively proven. It's crucial to support such assumptions with evidence and avoid overstating them as absolute facts. Usage is common in news, science, and business contexts, making it a versatile tool for expressing informed opinions and facilitating effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rational assumption

Replaces "reasonable" with "rational", emphasizing logical justification.

a sensible assumption

Substitutes "reasonable" with "sensible", highlighting the practicality and sound judgment behind the assumption.

a logical assumption

Changes "reasonable" to "logical", stressing the derivation from clear reasoning.

a valid assumption

Replaces "reasonable" with "valid", indicating that the assumption is well-founded and justified.

a sound assumption

Substitutes "reasonable" with "sound", implying the assumption is solid and reliable.

a fair assumption

Changes "reasonable" to "fair", suggesting impartiality and justifiability in the assumption.

a justifiable assumption

Replaces "reasonable" with "justifiable", emphasizing the presence of sufficient grounds for the assumption.

a plausible assumption

Substitutes "reasonable" with "plausible", indicating the assumption is believable and likely.

a tenable assumption

Changes "reasonable" to "tenable", suggesting the assumption is defensible and sustainable.

a credible assumption

Replaces "reasonable" with "credible", highlighting the trustworthiness and believability of the assumption.

FAQs

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

You can use "a reasonable assumption" to introduce a statement that is likely to be true based on the available evidence. For example, "Given the data, "a reasonable assumption" would be that sales will increase."

What phrases can I use instead of "a reasonable assumption"?

You can use alternatives like "a logical assumption", "a sensible assumption", or "a valid assumption" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to justify "a reasonable assumption"?

While not always strictly necessary, providing justification strengthens the argument and clarifies why the assumption is considered reasonable. It helps build credibility and reduces potential misunderstandings.

What's the difference between "a reasonable assumption" and "a wild guess"?

"A reasonable assumption" is based on some level of evidence or logical inference, whereas "a wild guess" is made without any supporting information or reasoning. The former is more likely to be accurate.