an underlying assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

"an underlying assumption" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is not explicitly stated, but is assumed to be true. For example, “It was an underlying assumption that everyone understood the rules.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing but an underlying assumption that everyone cleans up after themselves.

The New York Times - Travel

And that, too, is an underlying assumption in the administration's case for war.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the answers to this question (N&Q, 2 February) there is an underlying assumption that outer space is a vacuum, which isn't strictly true.

The Guardian

Both neoclassical and institutional conservation models share an underlying assumption: that the government respects the rule of law and the goal of conservation.

The New York Times

Ideas from universities, research organizations, foundations, Congress and American business leaders all spring from an underlying assumption that the epidemic goes beyond the possibilities of traditional foreign aid.

The New York Times

"There may be an underlying assumption by providers that appearance is only of concern in wealthier communities," the study noted archly.

The New York Times - Health

The academy was managed with an "underlying assumption that the average person had a right to the world's knowledge," writes Mr Lopate.

The Economist

But there was, it seemed then, an underlying assumption that, even if this were not all soluble, it was at least the intention of every reasonable person to work together and try to solve it.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, an underlying assumption of this approach is that the sampled time windows contain one dominant flowing component.

Methods

The first problem is that an underlying assumption was made for the Rician distribution, namely, that only one harmonic is retained by the Gabor wavelet transform.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

In the above analysis, an underlying assumption is that the translational motion is compensated ideally and only the rotational motion is involved.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an underlying assumption", ensure that it is genuinely implicit and not a point that requires explicit clarification for your audience. If there's a risk of misunderstanding, it's better to state the assumption directly.

Common error

Avoid presenting "an underlying assumption" as an established fact. Always acknowledge that it's a belief or premise that may not be universally accepted or proven.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an underlying assumption" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, highlighting its role in identifying implicit premises in arguments and discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an underlying assumption" is a frequently used and grammatically sound noun phrase that denotes an implicit belief or premise. Ludwig AI confirms this. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and business domains. Recognizing and understanding these underlying assumptions is crucial for effective communication and critical thinking. Common errors include mistaking assumptions for facts, so it's best to ensure the assumption is acknowledged and not presented as an absolute truth. Consider alternatives like "a presupposition" or "an implicit premise" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a presupposition

Focuses on the idea of something being taken for granted beforehand.

a tacit understanding

Emphasizes the unspoken agreement or acceptance of something.

an implicit premise

Highlights the unstated foundation upon which an argument or idea rests.

a hidden belief

Suggests that the assumption might not be consciously recognized or acknowledged.

a foundational principle

Indicates a core idea that serves as the basis for a system or theory.

a silent premise

Focuses on the fact that the premise is not openly expressed.

an unacknowledged assumption

Emphasizes that the assumption hasn't been explicitly recognized or addressed.

a basic tenet

Highlights the fundamental nature of the assumption as a core belief.

an ingrained bias

Suggests that the assumption is deeply rooted and potentially skewed.

a fundamental axiom

Refers to a self-evident truth that serves as a starting point for reasoning.

FAQs

How can I identify "an underlying assumption" in an argument?

Look for statements or beliefs that are taken for granted without explicit justification. These are often the foundation upon which the argument is built, and challenging them can reveal weaknesses in the reasoning.

What is the difference between "an underlying assumption" and an explicit statement?

"An underlying assumption" is implied but not directly stated, while an explicit statement is clearly articulated. Recognizing the "explicit statement" helps to determine if an argument is valid.

How do I challenge "an underlying assumption" respectfully?

Start by acknowledging the perspective from which the assumption is made. Then, gently question its validity by presenting alternative viewpoints or evidence that contradicts it. Focus on the reasoning, not personal attacks.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "an underlying assumption"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a presupposition", "an implicit premise", or "a tacit understanding".