assuming it was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assuming it was" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a condition or hypothesis based on the belief that something is true. Example: "Assuming it was raining, we should have brought our umbrellas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They kept assuming it was happening".

The New York Times

"We're assuming it was about money," says Chantelle's mother, Sue.

The Guardian

When told, Castro laughed, assuming it was a joke.

The New York Times - Sports

You'd be forgiven for assuming it was a different artist.

The Guardian - Music

Assuming it was campus security, Lapchick opened it without hesitation.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm assuming it was a mistake," he said.

The New York Times

I rebooted the site, assuming it was inaccurate.

The New York Times

It meant the cells came from the baby, assuming it was a boy.

MIT Technology Review

We left this out of the other lists, assuming it was obvious.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Assuming it is great.

The New Yorker

Assuming it is still around, that is.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assuming it was" to introduce a potential explanation or reason, making it clear that this is not a confirmed fact but rather a supposition.

Common error

Avoid using "assuming it was" without clearly defining what "it" refers to. Always ensure your reader can easily understand the subject of your assumption to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assuming it was" serves as a conditional conjunction, introducing a clause that presents a supposition or hypothesis. It is used to frame a statement based on something that is believed to be true, but without absolute certainty. As confirmed by Ludwig, this structure is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assuming it was" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a hypothetical context or explain a rationale based on an assumption. Ludwig's analysis shows its prevalence in news and media, with a neutral to informal register. While generally versatile, it's important to ensure clarity by explicitly stating what "it" refers to. Alternatives like "if it was" or "on the assumption that it was" can provide nuanced variations depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is readily usable in various writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assuming that it was

Adds slight emphasis.

if it had been

More direct conditional statement.

given that it was

Focuses on the information known.

if we assume it was

Explicitly frames it as an assumption.

on the assumption that it was

Adds emphasis on the basis for the assumption.

considering it was

Highlights the context of the situation.

presuming it had been

Changes the tense and adds formality.

in the event that it was

Emphasizes a possible outcome.

supposing it to be

More formal and less common.

taking for granted it was

Implies a lack of scrutiny.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "assuming it was" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "on the assumption that it was", or "given that it was". These alternatives add a layer of formality while conveying the same meaning.

What's the difference between "assuming it was" and "if it was"?

"Assuming it was" implies a degree of uncertainty or supposition, while "if it was" sets up a more direct conditional statement. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the assumption or simply stating a condition.

Is it always necessary to follow "assuming it was" with a consequence?

While not strictly necessary, following "assuming it was" with a consequence or result helps clarify the purpose of the assumption. It makes your reasoning more explicit and easier to follow.

When is it better to use "assuming it was" over other similar phrases?

Use "assuming it was" when you want to introduce an idea that is based on an unproven belief. It is particularly useful when setting up a scenario or explaining a decision made under uncertain circumstances. Consider alternatives like "presuming it was" or "supposing it was" for nuanced variations.