assumed he would

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assumed he would" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a belief or expectation about someone's actions or decisions in the future. Example: "She assumed he would arrive on time for the meeting, but he was late."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He had assumed he would be executed.

The New York Times

She assumed he would apologize.

The Washington Post

McDonald assumed he would be a bricklayer after high school.

The New York Times - Magazine

His sons assumed he would not make it home alive.

The Guardian

Litvinenko assumed he would be feted in the west.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I assumed he would say of course he was European.

The New York Times - Magazine

He hoped – rather, assumed – he would be a footballer.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And Shankar said his friends assumed he would end up as a teacher.

Cornell University

Growing up in Knoxville, Tennessee, Neel Madhukar always assumed he would become a physician.

Cornell University

She assumed he would get in touch, anyway, as soon as he had settled again.

The New Yorker

When Obama was elected, he assumed he would be a good bridge-builder.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assumed he would" to express an expectation or belief about a future action, based on current knowledge or past experiences. Ensure the context clearly supports the assumption.

Common error

Avoid using "assumed he would" when you lack reasonable grounds for the assumption. Always ensure there's a logical basis for your belief to prevent misinterpretation or incorrect conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assumed he would" functions as a verb phrase expressing an expectation, belief, or anticipation regarding someone's future actions. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from personal expectations to professional settings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "assumed he would" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a prior expectation about someone's future actions. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and personal narratives. Although generally neutral in register, its formality may vary based on the specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and understood, making it a reliable choice for expressing assumptions in both writing and speech. Be mindful of the basis for your assumptions to ensure clarity and accuracy in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expected he would

Replaces "assumed" with a more direct synonym, focusing on expectation.

believed he would

Focuses on the belief aspect of the assumption, highlighting a conviction.

presumed he would

Offers a more formal alternative to "assumed", suggesting a belief based on probability.

thought he would

A simple and direct way of expressing an expectation or anticipation.

anticipated he would

Highlights the act of looking forward to a future event or action.

supposed he would

Implies a less certain assumption, more of a tentative expectation.

took it for granted he would

Implies a stronger sense of certainty and perhaps a lack of consideration.

concluded he would

Suggests that the assumption was reached after some consideration or deduction.

was under the impression he would

Highlights that the assumption was based on a specific perception or understanding.

figured he would

Presents a more informal and casual way of expressing the assumption.

FAQs

How can I use "assumed he would" in a sentence?

You can use "assumed he would" to express an expectation about someone's future actions. For example, "She "assumed he would" arrive on time, but he was delayed."

What are some alternatives to "assumed he would"?

Alternatives include "expected he would", "presumed he would", or "believed he would", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I had assumed he would"?

Yes, "I had "assumed he would"" is grammatically correct. The past perfect tense indicates that the assumption occurred before a certain point in time.

What's the difference between "assumed he would" and "hoped he would"?

"Assumed he would" implies a belief based on some evidence or expectation, while "hoped he would" indicates a desire for a particular outcome without necessarily having a strong belief in its likelihood.