assume that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assume that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to establish a premise or condition for discussion or reasoning. Example: "For the sake of this argument, let's assume that all participants have equal knowledge of the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Should we assume that?

Princeton University

Next year, Golson may assume that role.

The New York Times - Sports

I assume that person has been fired.

Independent

I assume that was a good combination?

The New York Times

He will assume that post in September.

The New York Times

Never assume that".

Forbes

Assume that mathematical platonism is true.

SEP

Assume that meaning is determined by rules.

SEP

Assume that anti-nominalism is true.

SEP

Assume that H is a universal hypothesis.

SEP

Never assume that faster is inherently better.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "assume that", ensure the assumption is reasonable within the context and acknowledge that it might not be true. This maintains clarity and intellectual honesty.

Common error

Avoid using "assume that" when there's readily available evidence to confirm or deny the assumption. Verify facts before making assumptions to enhance the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assume that" functions as a connector introducing a premise, hypothesis, or supposition. It's used to set a condition for reasoning or discussion, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assume that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce an assumption or premise. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from varied sources, confirms its broad applicability across different domains. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it's essential to use it judiciously, ensuring that the assumptions made are reasonable and acknowledged as potentially uncertain. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a useful tool for building arguments or initiating discussions. Consider using alternatives like "presume that" or "suppose that" to fine-tune the tone and level of certainty conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presume that

More formal alternative that suggests a belief based on probability or likelihood.

take it for granted that

Indicates something is accepted as true without proof or question.

suppose that

Suggests a tentative assumption, often used in hypothetical situations.

conjecture that

Implies forming an opinion or supposition about something on the basis of incomplete information.

hypothesize that

Suggests forming a testable explanation for a phenomenon.

posit that

A more formal term for putting forward an idea or fact, usually as a basis for reasoning.

surmise that

Suggests inferring something is true without having conclusive evidence.

deduce that

Indicates reaching a conclusion based on reasoning and evidence.

infer that

Similar to deduce but can also mean deriving a conclusion from implicit information.

gather that

Suggests forming an impression or understanding based on limited information.

FAQs

How can I use "assume that" in a sentence?

You can use "assume that" to introduce a premise or condition in your reasoning. For example, "Let's "assume that" all participants have read the instructions before the experiment begins."

What are some alternatives to "assume that"?

Alternatives include "presume that", "suppose that", or "take for granted that" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it better to "assume that" or to "presume that"?

"Assume that" and "presume that" are often interchangeable, but "presume" can imply a stronger basis for belief or expectation. Choose the word that best reflects the degree of certainty you intend to convey.

What does it mean to "take it for granted that"?

"Take it for granted that" means to accept something as true or certain without question or proof. It's similar to "assume that" but often implies a lack of critical examination.