assertions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assertions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to statements or claims that are presented as true, often without proof. Example: "The scientist made several assertions about the effects of climate change on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The opposition leader said the attempt to "micromanage" schools was an example of the government's "wrong priorities" – contradicting assertions by the environment minister, Greg Hunt, that the scheme had bipartisan support.

The Guardian

"In the course of that campaign we think there are a number of assertions about the management of the Great Barrier Reef and its vulnerability which are not grounded in fact and which need to be rebutted.

The Guardian

"We have not ascertained whether the assertions are true," he told the Windy City Times in the interview.

The Guardian

Yet as I've written before for the Irish Times and elsewhere, these assertions are fundamentally false and belie an extremely devious attitude to research.

The Guardian

May rejected rioters' assertions that the unrest was linked to alienation from the police or the government, dismissing concerns raised in the research report as "excuses".

The Guardian

What undermines Bush's assertions on Iran's destabilising activities in Iraq is the absence of any such statements by the Iraqi prime minister, Nuri al-Maliki's government.

The Guardian - Opinion

Archaeologist Jack Carlson, writing in Foreign Policy magazine, argues that the wholesale copying of architectural culture may have its roots in something much bigger than shameless commercial borrowing: "The ancient parallels for these copycat projects ­suggest that they are not mere follies, but monumental assertions of China's global primacy".

The Guardian - Arts

Whether it's missed waiting time targets for patients with cancer, predictions from the Royal College of GPs that parts of the country could become GP ghost towns, or assertions that if the NHS were a plane, it would "fall out of the sky".

The Guardian

He agreed with Bolt's assertions that on balance journalists from all media organisations were more liberal than conservative.

The Guardian

Those confident assertions from the two most powerful men in the Irish government could become hostages to fiscal fortune over the next 12 months.

The Guardian

There's no doubt that Jeremy Scott, despite his assertions to the contrary, was making a statement about the enslavement of human beings.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "assertions", ensure that the context makes it clear whether these claims are supported by evidence or are simply statements of belief.

Common error

Avoid presenting "assertions" as definitive truths without providing supporting evidence or acknowledging alternative viewpoints. Always consider the strength of the evidence and the potential for counterarguments.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "assertions" is to act as a plural noun, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to multiple statements or claims presented as facts. As Ludwig highlights, these are often statements presented without immediate proof.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "assertions" functions as a plural noun, denoting multiple claims or statements presented as facts. As noted by Ludwig AI, these statements often require further examination or support. Its usage is very common, particularly in news and media, where precise claims are frequently reported. When employing "assertions" in writing, it is crucial to provide evidence and avoid presenting claims as undisputed truths. Alternatives such as "claims", "statements", and "contentions" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

claims

Focuses more directly on the act of stating something as a fact, often implying a need for proof.

statements

A more neutral term, referring to any expression of facts or opinions.

contentions

Suggests a more forceful or argued point of view.

allegations

Implies that the assertion is potentially unproven or disputed, often in a legal context.

declarations

Emphasizes a formal or official pronouncement.

pronouncements

Similar to declarations, but can also imply a tone of authority or judgment.

affirmations

Highlights the positive or supportive nature of the statement.

representations

Focuses on portraying something in a particular way.

averments

A formal or legal term for stating something as true in a pleading or legal document.

submissions

Suggests that the assertion is being presented for consideration or evaluation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "assertions" in my writing?

Use "assertions" to introduce claims or statements of fact, and then follow up with evidence or reasoning to support those claims. Make it clear to the reader that you are presenting something as a position or claim.

What are some alternatives to using the word "assertions"?

You can use alternatives like "claims", "statements", or "contentions" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "assertions" and "assumptions"?

"Assertions" are statements presented as facts, while "assumptions" are beliefs taken for granted without proof. Using "assumptions" can weaken an argument if not properly supported, whereas "assertions" invite further examination or evidence.

Is it always necessary to provide proof for every "assertion" I make?

While it is not always practical to provide exhaustive proof for every "assertion", it is important to offer sufficient evidence or reasoning to make your claims credible. If an assertion is particularly controversial or significant, more substantial support is needed.