assume knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assume knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is expected to have prior knowledge or understanding of a particular subject or topic. Example: "In this course, we will assume knowledge of basic programming concepts, so make sure you are familiar with them before proceeding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

A cricket report or commentary can assume knowledge of the rules of cricket; an article for a motoring magazine can assume the reader knows what a supercar is.

The Guardian - Books

Throughout this work, we assume knowledge of time scales and the time-scale notation, first introduced by Hilger [4].

Advances in Difference Equations

However, each of the classifies above was only simulated in an AWGN channel and most assume knowledge of the unknown signal's carrier frequency, phase, or symbol rate.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In [33], a classification of the different solutions for broadcasting scheme is provided: (i) Simple Flooding; (ii) probabilistic-based schemes; (iii) area-based schemes that assume location awareness; (iv) neighbor knowledge schemes that assume knowledge of two hop neighborhood.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

We hypothesize that although TP minimization does not assume knowledge of the underlying LD power consumption, it achieves energy-efficiency at a negligible performance loss compared to a TP optimization taking the LD explicitly into account.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Importantly, however, it has been criticized, by both creationists and evolutionists, because it appears to assume knowledge of what such a designer wanted to achieve (e.g., Nelson 1996; Bergman 2001, 2003; Brown 2010: 732).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Veterans of those deregulations say one sign California's power plan wasn't the real thing was that it assumed knowledge of the future.

The New York Times

This temporary outage gives her an opportunity to ponder the mystery of her self, and how quickly our assumed knowledge of who we are can be radically altered.

The New York Times - Books

But some specialist publications set out to educate - computer magazines are a good example - and while interest can be assumed, knowledge of how to use specific pieces of software cannot.

The Guardian - Books

While the first and third problems are stated generally, the assumed knowledge of one solution in the second problem suggests that not every rational number is the sum of two squares.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Assuming knowledge of Gröbner basics, the proofs are quite short and elementary.

Journal of Symbolic Computation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "assume knowledge of", clearly define the scope of the expected knowledge to avoid confusion. For example, instead of saying "We assume knowledge of programming", specify "We assume knowledge of Python syntax".

Common error

Avoid using "assume knowledge of" when addressing a diverse audience. Instead, provide a brief overview of essential concepts to ensure inclusivity and comprehension for all readers or listeners.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assume knowledge of" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate a speaker's expectation that the audience possesses certain prior understanding or expertise. This expectation is documented by Ludwig and the collected examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "assume knowledge of" is a grammatically correct and useful way to indicate an expectation of prior understanding. As noted by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in scientific and academic contexts. While its usage is valid, it's crucial to consider your audience and avoid overestimating their knowledge. Alternatives like "presume familiarity with" or "expect understanding of" may be more appropriate in some situations. By considering the context and audience, you can effectively use the phrase "assume knowledge of" to facilitate clear and efficient communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presume familiarity with

Emphasizes a prior acquaintance or understanding, rather than explicit knowledge.

expect understanding of

Directly states the expectation that someone comprehends a subject.

take for granted understanding of

Highlights that the understanding is considered a given, without explicit confirmation.

presuppose awareness of

Suggests a prior implicit understanding as a condition for further discussion.

imply prior knowledge of

Focuses on suggesting knowledge through context, not explicitly stating it.

expect prior acquaintance with

Highlights the level of familiarity with specific topic, shifting from abstract "knowledge".

count on familiarity with

Indicates reliance on someone's existing understanding.

take as read understanding of

British English, implying agreement that the understanding is already established.

posit understanding of

Suggests that level of understanding is considered as part of basic background.

deem understanding of

Highlights the position of authority to establish a standard of assumed knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "assume knowledge of" in a sentence?

You can use "assume knowledge of" to indicate that you expect your audience to have a prior understanding of a particular subject. For example, "This tutorial will "assume knowledge of" basic algebra concepts".

What is an alternative to "assume knowledge of"?

Alternatives to "assume knowledge of" include "presume familiarity with", "expect understanding of", or "take for granted understanding of" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "assume knowledge of"?

It is appropriate to use "assume knowledge of" when addressing an audience with a specific expertise or background. In broader audiences, it's better to provide context. This ensures clarity and accessibility for everyone.

Is it better to "assume knowledge of" or "presuppose knowledge of"?

"Assume knowledge of" and "presuppose awareness of" are similar, but "assume" suggests a direct expectation, while "presuppose" implies that the knowledge is a condition for something else. Choose the one that fits the intended meaning best.