assume

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'assume' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that something is true without proof. For example, "I assumed that there would be enough food to go around."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As the Global Times is an offshoot of the Chinese Communist party's official newspaper, the People's Daily, we can assume its blunt diagnosis reflects the governmental view.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I can only assume it's a mistake," George said, when asked why flights to Queensland were approved as expenses to be charged to Sydney Water.

The Guardian

Such reticence is understandable in a city where many residents assume that officials use construction projects to siphon state funds.

The Guardian

Now it is an urgent challenge for the European commission, which appeared to assume that once inside the club of European liberal democracies, nobody could imagine anything better.

The Guardian - Opinion

The mass murder has caused many more reproductions of an image of Muhammad to be distributed than – I assume – any other in history.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Uganda, survivors are at risk of arrest by police, as they are likely to assume that they're gay – a crime in this country and in 38 of the 53 African nations.

The Guardian

But, as Kauder Nalebuff's book illustrates, this is a subject long mired in shame and confusion – there are girls who know nothing about periods until their first one arrives, and assume it is a sign of impending death.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They see the mother as responsible for consciously disabling her child, but I assume they distinguish between a mother aborting a foetus and a mother harming a foetus she intends to bring to life.

The Guardian - Opinion

You might initially assume it would be occupied by Danny Alexander, the sensationally overpromoted former press officer for the Cairngorms National Park, whose role appears to be to spout unintelligible cobblers with bewildering enthusiasm.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I think this is of such importance to our community, and I can only assume, rightfully or wrongfully that Tamworth is considered a safe seat.

The Guardian

"I assume many managers have achieved promotion to the top flight in two different leagues in consecutive seasons before (I may be wrong, though!), but has any other boss ever done it via play-offs both times?" Send your questions and answers to [email protected] or get in touch via Twitter @TheKnowledge_GU.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "assume", be mindful of the level of certainty you're conveying. If you have supporting evidence, consider using a stronger word like "conclude" or "infer".

Common error

Avoid using "assume" when you have concrete data or facts available. Relying on assumptions without verification can lead to inaccurate conclusions and misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The word "assume" functions primarily as a verb, indicating the act of accepting something as true or certain, often without proof. It is used to express a belief, supposition, or expectation. Ludwig AI indicates the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "assume" is a versatile verb used to express a belief or supposition, often without concrete evidence. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable word in English. It appears very commonly in News & Media. When using "assume", it's important to consider the strength of your belief and whether you have any supporting evidence. Related terms include "presume", "suppose", and "take for granted", each carrying subtle nuances in meaning. Be sure to avoid "assume" when you have solid data available, as relying on unfounded assumptions can lead to inaccuracies. In summary, the word "assume" is used to indicate a belief without proof.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presume

Similar to "assume", but often carries a stronger connotation of confidence in the belief.

suppose

Suggests a less firm belief than "assume", implying a possibility rather than a conviction.

take for granted

Implies accepting something as true without questioning or considering alternatives.

conjecture

Suggests forming an opinion or supposition about something based on incomplete information.

infer

To deduce or conclude something from evidence and reasoning, often without explicit statement.

surmise

To infer something without sufficiently conclusive evidence; a weaker form of assuming.

hypothesize

To propose an explanation or theory as a basis for further investigation.

speculate

To form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence.

take it as read

To accept something as understood or agreed upon without further discussion.

postulate

To suggest or assume the existence of something as a basis for reasoning or discussion.

FAQs

How to use "assume" in a sentence?

You can use "assume" to indicate that you believe something is true, often without proof. For example, "I assume he's coming since he said he would be here".

What can I say instead of "assume"?

You can use alternatives like "presume", "suppose", or "take for granted" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "assume" or "presume"?

"Assume" and "presume" are similar, but "presume" often suggests a stronger basis for belief. You might "assume" something based on a hunch, but you would "presume" something based on past experience or general knowledge.

What's the difference between "assume" and "infer"?

"Assume" means to suppose something is true without proof, while "infer" means to deduce something from evidence. You "infer" based on what you see or know, but you "assume" without needing that evidence.