are we assuming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are we assuming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when questioning whether a certain assumption is being made in a discussion or argument. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, are we assuming that we have the necessary budget approved?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Why are we assuming that there's less anti-American feeling?" asked Samer Majali, a high-ranking Jordanian executive.

The New York Times

I can't imagine that Cambodians tell their children that the western diet is revolting, or make TV programmes in which local celebrities are put through ordeals in which they're forced to consume custard creams and Kraft slices, so why are we assuming the cultural high ground?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Why are we assuming we have to have a visual web interface to get the information we need?

Forbes

Why are we assuming that suddenly, deterrence will not work with Iran anymore?

Huffington Post

For which humans are we assuming the animal will predict a response?

BMC Medical Ethics

At this stage, we are not making any assumptions about whether or not future empirical research will find support for this hypothesis, nor are we assuming that this a significant problem.

Carcinogenesis

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It continues: "You are, we assume, a trained and qualified social worker just like we each are.

The Guardian

And if it's just to establish our opinion on Isis, why are we assumed to support them?

The Guardian - Opinion

Some of the more important underlying assumptions are: We assume a strong economy, without major recession.

Bplans

The key underlying assumptions are: We assume a slow-growth economy, without major recession.

Bplans

Some of the more important underlying assumptions are: We assume strong economy, without major recession.

Bplans

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are we assuming" to challenge assumptions in a constructive way, promoting critical thinking and preventing potential misunderstandings. This is particularly useful in collaborative projects or discussions where different perspectives may lead to unspoken presumptions.

Common error

Avoid using "are we assuming" without explicitly stating what is being assumed. This can lead to confusion and prevent effective discussion. Always follow up with a clear statement of the assumption you are questioning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are we assuming" functions as an interrogative clause used to question a potential assumption being made. It serves to challenge or clarify unspoken beliefs, prompting a deeper examination of the basis for an argument or decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard grammatical construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are we assuming" is a grammatically correct and commonly used interrogative phrase that serves to question underlying assumptions in various contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, its purpose is to elicit clarification and ensure alignment on foundational beliefs, prompting a deeper examination of the basis for an argument or decision. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media and Science sources, demonstrating its versatility across different domains. To effectively use "are we assuming", it's crucial to clearly state the assumption being questioned to avoid ambiguity and promote constructive critical thinking. Related phrases like "what are we presuming" or "what are we taking for granted" offer alternative ways to challenge unspoken beliefs. By mastering the use of "are we assuming", writers can foster clearer communication and more robust decision-making processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what are we presuming

Replaces "assuming" with "presuming", implying a slightly stronger level of unfounded belief.

what are we presupposing

Similar to presuming, but suggests a prior condition that influences later reasoning.

what are we taking for granted

Focuses on the idea of something being accepted without question.

what are our underlying assumptions

Directly asks about the unstated beliefs influencing a decision.

what hypothesis are we operating under

Replaces "assuming" with the more technical term "hypothesis", suitable for scientific or analytical contexts.

what is the implicit assumption

Highlights that the assumption is not explicitly stated.

on what basis are we proceeding

Shifts the focus to the justification for a particular course of action.

what is our premise

Focuses on the foundational statement upon which an argument is built.

what are we positing

Uses "positing" as a more formal alternative to "assuming", suitable for academic contexts.

what are we conjecturing

Uses conjecturing to imply a guess or speculation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are we assuming" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "what premises are we operating under?", "what is the underlying hypothesis?", or "what is the implicit assumption?" These alternatives are suitable for academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "are we assuming" and "are we presuming"?

While similar, "presuming" often implies a stronger, less justified belief than "assuming". "Are we "presuming"" suggests a greater degree of taking something for granted, possibly without sufficient evidence, while "are we assuming" is a more neutral inquiry into a belief.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "are we assuming"?

"Are we assuming" is appropriate in discussions, debates, or projects when you want to challenge or clarify unspoken beliefs or premises. It helps to ensure everyone is on the same page and promotes critical evaluation of ideas.

What's a common mistake when using the phrase "are we assuming"?

A common mistake is failing to clarify what specific assumption is being questioned. To avoid ambiguity, always follow up the phrase with a clear statement of the assumption you are referring to. For example, "Are we assuming the market conditions will remain stable?"