a reasonable supposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable supposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an assumption or belief that is logical and justifiable based on the available evidence or context. Example: "Given the circumstances, it is a reasonable supposition that the project will be completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I don't think that's a reasonable supposition.

The New Yorker

He said it was a "reasonable supposition" that his role would be related to the economy.

The Guardian

In a normal electoral cycle, that might be a reasonable supposition.

The New Yorker

We were standing up in London, so this was a reasonable supposition, but sadly it required a yes-no answer.

Independent

And at the start of the first leg at Old Trafford, this seemed a reasonable supposition, United dashing into a two-goal lead inside the first quarter-hour, before relaxing in the glow of their superiority.

The Guardian - Sport

"But," he continues, "since mitochondrial biogenesis has been shown to occur in human muscles, just as it does in animal muscles, it is a reasonable supposition that it occurs in human brains".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Leedy and Ormrod [2] define hypothesis as "a logical supposition, a reasonable guess, and an educated conjecture".

The Journal of Headache and Pain

This seems a reasonable guess.

The Economist

It's a reasonable hypothesis.

Forbes

On the reasonable supposition that he has always existed there is a series of parts that is backwardly everlasting.

SEP

Many coaches, on the reasonable supposition that Bradley cannot beat their teams alone, concentrate on choking off the four other Princeton players, but Bradley is good enough to rise to such occasions, as he did when he scored forty-six againsTexasas, making every known shot, including an eighteen-foot running hook.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reasonable supposition", ensure that the context provides some basis for the assumption. It should be more than just a wild guess.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a reasonable supposition" as an absolute fact. Qualify it with phrases like "it seems" or "it appears" to indicate its tentative nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable supposition" functions as a noun phrase that introduces an assumption or belief considered logical and justifiable. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and serves to present an idea that is based on available evidence, though not definitively proven.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable supposition" is a grammatically sound and valid phrase used to introduce an assumption that is logical and based on some evidence, though not definitively proven. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and scientific discussions. While it's not as common as other similar phrases, such as "a plausible assumption", it conveys a nuanced meaning implying a thoughtful and justifiable belief. When using this phrase, ensure the context supports the claim of reasonableness to avoid overstating certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable hypothesis

Similar to a supposition, but often used in a scientific context to denote a testable explanation.

a plausible assumption

Emphasizes the believability or credibility of the assumption.

a logical inference

Highlights the reasoning process that leads to the conclusion.

a well-founded belief

Stresses the existence of a solid basis or justification for the belief.

a sound judgment

Focuses on the quality of the decision-making process leading to the assumption.

a valid presumption

Implies that the assumption is legally or officially acceptable.

a tenable position

Suggests that the assumption is defensible and can be maintained against criticism.

a credible assertion

Highlights the trustworthiness and reliability of the statement.

a defensible claim

Indicates that the assumption can be supported with evidence or arguments.

a justifiable conclusion

Emphasizes the fairness and reasonableness of arriving at that conclusion.

FAQs

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

Use "a reasonable supposition" to introduce an idea or belief that is based on available evidence but not definitively proven. For example: Given the data, it's "a reasonable supposition" that sales will increase.

What are some alternatives to "a reasonable supposition"?

You can use phrases such as "a plausible assumption", "a logical inference", or "a reasonable hypothesis" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a reasonable supposition"?

Yes, "a reasonable supposition" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Ludwig AI also confirms its validity. The key is ensuring the context justifies the reasonableness of the supposition.

What is the difference between "a reasonable supposition" and "a wild guess"?

"A reasonable supposition" implies some degree of logical basis or evidence, while "a wild guess" suggests a completely random or unfounded conjecture.