an assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

"an assumption" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that you believe to be true, although you do not have proof. Example: "It is impossible to prove that aliens have visited Earth, so it is only an assumption that they have."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that is an assumption.

The New York Times

SALESMAN: It was an assumption.

The New Yorker

"It's just an assumption".

The New York Times

That's an assumption.

Harvard Business Review

However, this is still an assumption.

The Economist

MADRID — Europe has reached an "assumption" moment.

The New York Times

This is obviously just an assumption.

The Economist

That is quite an assumption.

The Guardian - Opinion

not make such an assumption.

Columbia University

But this was just an assumption.

The New York Times

Maybe he just made an assumption.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an assumption", clearly state what the assumption is and acknowledge that it might not be true. This enhances transparency and avoids misleading the audience.

Common error

Avoid presenting "an assumption" as a definitive fact. Always qualify it with phrases like "it is assumed that" or "this assumes that" to signal its tentative nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an assumption" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it introducing beliefs or suppositions. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an assumption" is a commonly used noun phrase to introduce a belief or supposition, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically sound and used across diverse contexts, predominantly in news, scientific, and academic spheres. When employing "an assumption", it's crucial to acknowledge its speculative nature to prevent misinterpretations. To offer greater clarity, alternatives such as "a supposition" or "a hypothesis" might be considered. Overall, using "an assumption" skillfully involves recognizing its function and incorporating it thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a supposition

Replaces "assumption" with a synonym that emphasizes the speculative nature of the idea.

a hypothesis

Emphasizes the idea as a starting point for investigation, particularly in scientific contexts.

a presumption

Suggests taking something for granted until proven otherwise.

a belief

Indicates a conviction or acceptance that something is true, even without proof.

a conjecture

Highlights the speculative and uncertain nature of the idea.

an inference

Focuses on deriving a conclusion from evidence or reasoning.

a premise

Highlights its role as a foundation for reasoning or argument.

a preconception

Emphasizes a prior idea or bias that may influence understanding.

a working theory

Suggests a tentative explanation used as a guide for further exploration.

a baseline expectation

Refers to a standard level of anticipation or belief about a certain outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "an assumption" to introduce a belief or supposition that may not be proven, such as, "It's "an assumption" that increased funding will automatically improve education outcomes."

What are some alternatives to saying "an assumption"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a supposition", "a hypothesis", or "a presumption" to express a similar meaning.

Is it always bad to make "an assumption"?

Not necessarily. Making "an assumption" can be a necessary starting point for reasoning or planning, but it's crucial to acknowledge it as such and be prepared to adjust if it proves incorrect. It's important to clarify that it's only "an assumption" and nothing else.

What's the difference between "an assumption" and "a fact"?

"An assumption" is a belief or supposition that may or may not be true, while a "fact" is something that has been proven to be true. It's important to distinguish between the two in your writing and avoid presenting "an assumption" as a confirmed fact.