assert to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assert to be" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when someone is claiming or stating something to be true, but it is more typical to use "assert that" instead. Example: "He asserts to be the best candidate for the job, but his qualifications are questionable."

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"To allege" means " to assert to be true", and so pertains either to the assertion of a suspect's guilt ("The police allege that Smith committed the robbery"), or to the existence of the crime itself, when this is not yet shown: an alleged conspiracy, say, or an alleged fraud.

The Economist

The two are indeed different--but it is precisely the latter that I assert to be true: The ordinary meaning of "uses a firearm" does not include using it as an article of commerce.

Cornell University

Both the Livelys and the Thorntons have placed their own, bright orange boundary markers in different spots along what they both assert to be the property line, a difference of opinion that may eventually be settled in court.

The New York Times

We are told in the story "Rabbit", for example, that poetry-writing Leafy Barkwell "represents an England that urban intellectuals and university lecturers assert to be dead, merely because they wish that it were so, and do not realise that it is not".

The Guardian - Books

Because they assert to be "unapologetic".

Huffington Post

In summary, we have found alterations in the long-range functional network in tinnitus subjects under rest which we assert to be related to the conscious perception of the distressing tinnitus tone.

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

However, millerettids are now asserted to be more closely related to turtles than to the diapsids.

University of California, Berkeley

The interfacial interactions were asserted to be the main reason for the differences in the optical emission.

Carbon

In quantum mechanics, on the other hand, the randomness is asserted to be absolutely fundamental.

Britannica

Misunderstood, because precaution is so often wrongly asserted to be unscientific or anti-technology.

The Guardian

Growth during the 1980s and 1990s in patenting and licensing by American universities is frequently asserted to be a direct consequence of the Bayh Dole Act of 1980.

Research Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Favor the alternative of using "assert that" to improve readability.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences with "assert to be" that result in unnecessary passive voice. Instead of 'The problem is asserted to be caused by X', a more active and direct construction would be 'Experts assert that X causes the problem'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assert to be" functions as a declarative expression, used to state or declare something as a fact or truth. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase introduces a claim or position, as when something is "asserted to be fundamental" or related to a specific quality.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

29%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "assert to be" is used to make a declaration or claim about the nature or identity of something. While grammatically sound, Ludwig suggests that it can sometimes sound formal and that more direct alternatives like "claim to be" or "state to be" might offer improved clarity and conciseness. It frequently appears in scientific and academic contexts, signaling a level of formality. The Ludwig AI highlights that overuse can lead to passive voice, advising writers to construct more active and direct sentences for enhanced impact. Overall, while acceptable, writers should consider the context and choose the most effective phrasing to convey their intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

claim to be

Replaces "assert" with "claim", indicating a similar declaration but potentially with less force.

declare to be

Uses "declare" instead of "assert", suggesting a more formal or official pronouncement.

profess to be

Substitutes "assert" with "profess", implying an open avowal or declaration.

maintain to be

Employs "maintain" instead of "assert", emphasizing a consistent stance or position.

allege to be

Replaces "assert" with "allege", indicating an assertion made without proof.

affirm to be

Uses "affirm" in place of "assert", suggesting a strong declaration of truth.

contend to be

Substitutes "assert" with "contend", indicating a claim made in an argument or debate.

state to be

Employs "state" instead of "assert", implying a simple and direct declaration.

attest to being

Uses "attest" to convey the act of providing evidence for something that one claims to be.

aver to be

Replaces "assert" with "aver", a more formal and less common term for stating something confidently.

FAQs

How can I use "assert to be" in a sentence?

The phrase "assert to be" is used to express a declaration or claim about something's nature or identity. For example, 'The company asserts its product to be the most effective solution on the market'. However, consider using alternatives like "claim to be" or "declare to be" for better clarity.

What is a more common way to express the same idea as "assert to be"?

While grammatically correct, "assert to be" can sound somewhat formal. More common alternatives include "claim to be", "maintain to be", or simply using "assert that" followed by a clause.

When is it appropriate to use "assert to be"?

The phrase "assert to be" is suitable in formal writing or when you want to emphasize the act of making a strong declaration. However, in many contexts, a simpler alternative like "claim to be" or "state to be" will suffice.

Is there a difference between "assert to be" and "allege to be"?

Yes, "assert to be" implies a firm declaration of truth, while "allege to be" suggests a claim made without definitive proof. For example, you might assert a known fact, but allege something that is yet to be proven.