a second assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a second assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing multiple assumptions in a logical argument, hypothesis, or analysis. Example: "In addition to the first assumption, we must also consider a second assumption regarding the reliability of the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

A second assumption is potentially even more misleading.

MIT Technology Review

A second assumption is that the financial sector will accept the new arrangements in perpetuity.

The Guardian - Business

The logic of the plan reveals a second assumption that economists make: the more motives the better.

The New York Times

A second assumption is that all effects that match the global signal are of no interest and can be removed.

NeuroImage

A second assumption was that as the caliphate lost territory in the Middle East, the ISIS brand would gradually lose credibility.

The New York Times

Mr Bhagwati also argues that a second assumption of the fetishists that manufacturing is better for job creation is fundamentally flawed.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

So I claim I snuck a third assumption.

Yale University

But I actually made a third assumption, and I made it without telling you.

Yale University

In that case, Benedict said, condoms "can be a first step in the direction of moralization, a first assumption of responsibility … a first step in a movement toward a different way, a more human way, of living sexuality".

The New Yorker

In a book published last month, Benedict said that although condoms were not "a real or moral solution," in some cases, they might be used as "a first step in the direction of a moralization, a first assumption of responsibility".

The New York Times

The conclusion provides a first assumption that usage information could be integrated in design decision-making in the boat industry, in order to manually check validity of simulation models.

Procedia CIRP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting multiple assumptions, clearly number or delineate each one to avoid confusion. Using "a second assumption" after introducing "a first assumption" provides a clear structure for your argument.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because two assumptions are presented sequentially, the second is necessarily dependent on the first. Each assumption should be evaluated on its own merits.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a second assumption" functions as a discourse marker used to introduce a subsequent premise or condition in an argument, analysis, or model. It builds upon a previously stated assumption, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

26%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a second assumption" serves as a clear and direct way to introduce a subsequent premise in an argument or analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across different contexts. It's particularly prevalent in science, news and media, and academia, but usage ranges from neutral to formal. The phrase is helpful to structure complex ideas and ensure clarity, and its alternatives—such as "another assumption" or "a further assumption"—can offer slight variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

another assumption

Replaces "second" with "another", indicating an additional assumption without explicitly numbering it.

a further assumption

Similar to "another assumption", it implies an additional assumption being considered.

an additional assumption

Emphasizes the supplementary nature of the assumption.

the next assumption

Highlights the sequential order of the assumptions.

a subsequent assumption

Indicates that the assumption follows the previous one in time or order.

a related assumption

Suggests that the assumption is connected to the previous one.

the following assumption

Introduces an assumption that will be stated next.

a secondary assumption

Uses "secondary" instead of "second", emphasizing its supporting role.

a different assumption

Highlights a divergence from the initial assumption.

an alternative assumption

Offers a substitute for the initial assumption.

FAQs

How to use "a second assumption" in a sentence?

Use "a second assumption" to introduce another premise or condition after already presenting "a first assumption". For example: "A first assumption is that the data is accurate. A second assumption is that the sample is representative."

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

You can use alternatives like "another assumption", "a further assumption", or "an additional assumption depending on the context.

Is it necessary to explicitly state "a first assumption" before using "a second assumption"?

While not strictly necessary, stating "a first assumption" provides clarity and structure, especially when presenting a series of premises. Without it, "a second assumption" might feel abrupt.

What's the difference between "a second assumption" and "a secondary assumption"?

While similar, "a second assumption" simply indicates sequence, while "a secondary assumption" implies that the assumption is less important or supportive of the primary assumption.