an implicit assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an implicit assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an underlying belief or idea that is not explicitly stated but is understood in a particular context. Example: "In the discussion about climate change, there is often an implicit assumption that all countries will contribute equally to reducing emissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, an implicit assumption in UKF is that the underlying probability densities are Gaussian.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

There has long been an implicit assumption that subjective emotional distress (e.g., fear) should activate the HPA axis.

Psychoneuroendocrinology

"There is an implicit assumption that there are black boys out there who only want to date either white or lighter-skinned women," she says.

The Guardian

The flaw with the report is an implicit assumption that inequality is not the problem, but rather that our current inequality is not a fair distribution of talents.

The Guardian

I guess there's also an implicit assumption that a waitperson at a fancy restaurant needs to be more skilled and provide more nuanced service.

The Washington Post

Therefore, there is an implicit assumption that people must act on behalf of the environment because these entities can't act to affect their own interests.

Stanford University

[n6] Petitioner nevertheless argues that the debates at the Constitutional Convention and the early history of constitutional interpretation demonstrate an implicit assumption of absolute Presidential immunity.

Cornell University

It turns out that there is an implicit assumption that the replacement part's hardware is authentic and trustworthy.

Forbes

Establishing stationarity is expedient for an implicit assumption of a geostatistical calculation in the current study.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

As an implicit assumption, these networks are described by the mathematical term graph.

Advances in Difference Equations

[There is an implicit assumption that individual neurons are of the integrate-and-fire variety.].

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an implicit assumption", ensure the context makes the unstated assumption clear to your audience. If there's a risk of misinterpretation, consider making the assumption explicit.

Common error

Avoid using "an implicit assumption" when the assumption is not widely shared or understood. This can lead to confusion if the reader does not recognize the underlying premise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an implicit assumption" functions as a noun phrase that identifies an underlying, unstated belief or premise. It serves to highlight assumptions that are not explicitly articulated but are nevertheless present and influential. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

59%

News & Media

28%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an implicit assumption" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase referring to an unstated belief or premise. Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity and wide applicability. The phrase appears most often in scientific and news contexts, highlighting its importance in analytical discussions. When using the phrase, ensure the assumption is clear from the context. Alternatives like "an unspoken assumption" or "an underlying assumption" can offer nuanced variations. Be mindful of unintended interpretations by making assumptions explicit when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unspoken assumption

Emphasizes the lack of explicit communication about the assumption.

an underlying assumption

Highlights the foundational nature of the assumption.

an unstated premise

Focuses on the assumption as a basis for reasoning or argument.

a tacit understanding

Suggests a mutual but unexpressed agreement or acceptance.

a hidden presupposition

Draws attention to the covert or concealed nature of the assumption.

an assumed premise

Emphasizes that the premise is taken for granted.

a built-in assumption

Suggests the assumption is integral or inherent to a system or concept.

an unacknowledged belief

Points out that the belief is not openly admitted or recognized.

a presumptive condition

Indicates a condition that is supposed to be true unless proven otherwise.

a conjectural element

Highlights the speculative nature of the assumption.

FAQs

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

You can use "an implicit assumption" to point out an unstated belief or premise underlying an argument, decision, or situation. For example, "There's "an implicit assumption" that everyone has equal access to resources."

What phrases are similar to "an implicit assumption"?

Similar phrases include "an unspoken assumption", "an underlying assumption", or "a tacit understanding", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to make an assumption explicit rather than implicit?

It depends on the context. Making an assumption explicit can improve clarity and prevent misunderstanding, but it can also be unnecessary if the assumption is already widely understood. Using "an implicit assumption" is appropriate when the context makes it obvious.

What's the difference between "an implicit assumption" and "an explicit assumption"?

"An implicit assumption" is an assumption that is not directly stated but is understood, while "an explicit assumption" is clearly and directly stated. It's useful to use phrases like "an implicit assumption" to highlight how sometimes some assumptions can be unstated.