a suspect assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a suspect assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an assumption that is questionable or lacks sufficient evidence. Example: "The researcher made a suspect assumption about the correlation between the two variables without considering other influencing factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The remnant was expected to play well, but a Stanley Cup run in 2018 seemed a suspect assumption after such a talent drain.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We can suspect assumptions about a difficult future family life with a child with Down syndrome, who will demand endless amounts of time, self-sacrifice and work.

BioSocieties

Rather, GOP tax writers produced a lopsided bill on an accelerated schedule.When the JCT found on a dynamic basis the measure would pile another $1 trillion onto the debt, Republicans attacked the scorekeepers for using "consistently wrong" growth models and "suspect" assumptions.

The Washington Post

The decline in state support rests on other suspect assumptions as well.

Huffington Post

Even among those who are only just leaving their 20s, like Dunham, there is, I suspect, an assumption that people under 30 have no capacity to absorb information that pertains to an earlier era, or doesn't come wrapped in a lot of shrill exclamation.

The Guardian - Opinion

He becomes a suspect.

Independent

A suspect is in custody.

The New York Times

"Do we have a suspect?

The New York Times

No word on a suspect.

The New York Times

A suspect is being sought.

The New York Times

It was a suspect practice.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a suspect assumption", clearly articulate why the assumption is questionable. Provide specific reasons or evidence that challenge its validity.

Common error

Avoid using "a suspect assumption" when you only have a minor reservation. Ensure the doubt is significant enough to warrant questioning the underlying basis of the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a suspect assumption" functions as a nominal phrase. It identifies and characterizes a particular assumption as being doubtful or questionable. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a suspect assumption" is used to express doubt about the validity of an assumption. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. The phrase appears most frequently in news media and scientific contexts where the questioning of underlying premises is common. Alternative phrases include "a dubious assumption" or "a questionable assumption". It is important to clearly articulate the reasons for doubting the assumption when using this phrase. While useful, it's worth noting that this phrase isn't extremely common in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dubious assumption

Replaces "suspect" with "dubious", suggesting a stronger sense of doubt or questionability.

a questionable assumption

Substitutes "suspect" with "questionable", highlighting that the assumption warrants further scrutiny.

a shaky assumption

Emphasizes the instability or lack of solid foundation of the assumption.

an unreliable assumption

Focuses on the untrustworthiness of the assumption as a basis for reasoning.

a flawed assumption

Highlights that the assumption contains errors or defects.

a tenuous assumption

Suggests the assumption is weak and easily challenged.

an unsupported assumption

Indicates the assumption lacks evidence or justification.

a groundless assumption

Implies the assumption is without any factual basis.

a speculative assumption

Highlights that the assumption is based on conjecture rather than concrete information.

a risky assumption

Focuses on the potential negative consequences of relying on the assumption.

FAQs

How can I replace "a suspect assumption" in my writing?

Consider using alternatives like "a dubious assumption", "a questionable assumption", or "a flawed assumption" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

What makes an assumption "suspect"?

An assumption becomes "suspect" when there's reason to doubt its validity, often due to lack of evidence, conflicting information, or logical inconsistencies. It suggests the assumption should be examined closely.

Is it always negative to describe something as "a suspect assumption"?

Yes, using the term "a suspect assumption" generally carries a negative connotation. It implies the assumption is not reliable and should be treated with caution or skepticism.

What's the difference between "a suspect assumption" and "a hypothesis"?

While both involve uncertainty, "a hypothesis" is a proposed explanation made as a starting point for further investigation, whereas "a suspect assumption" is an existing belief that is being questioned due to perceived flaws.