assumption behind

USAGE SUMMARY

"assumption behind" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to an underlying belief or idea that is not explicitly stated but is implied or assumed to be true. Here is an example: "Many people have criticized the company's decision, but they fail to understand the assumption behind it. The company values customer satisfaction above all else, even if it means sacrificing short-term profits."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The assumption behind these seasons – that entertainment takes a vacation – is becoming less and less true.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That, anyway, is an operating assumption behind much of the discussion of social welfare programs.

The New York Times

The logic of this "deal" – the assumption behind it – is wearing thin.

The Guardian

The assumption behind this kind of sloganeering is that Verdi's librettos are stodgy and ridiculous.

The New Yorker

That, it is true, is an assumption behind all consumer decisions.

The Economist

The assumption behind aesthetic computing is that the field of computing will be enriched if it embraces all of aesthetics.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A commonly used assumption behind the data collection procedure is that all the data are fully observed.

Computers & Industrial Engineering

The unexamined assumption behind Phil Klay's negative review of Dave Eggers's latest novel, "Your Fathers, Where Are They?

The New York Times - Books

The assumption behind that last argument seems to be that Iraqis will be angered when they see what was done.

The New York Times

The main assumption behind this hybrid method consists in neglecting the actual finite lateral extent of the acoustic treatment.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Sasha: You're right, but the assumption behind your (romantic?) hope is that the books will be read.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "assumption behind", clearly articulate the assumption to ensure your audience understands the underlying basis of your argument or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "assumption behind" without explicitly stating what the assumption is. Vague references can lead to misinterpretations and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assumption behind" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, often referring to an idea, action, or decision. It serves to introduce the underlying premise or belief upon which something is based. As shown by Ludwig, it is often used to clarify the unstated foundations of an argument.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "assumption behind" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce the underlying premise or belief that supports an action, decision, or argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal business settings. Understanding the "assumption behind" something is crucial for grasping the complete picture and evaluating the validity of the conclusions drawn. When writing, be sure to explicitly state the assumption to avoid ambiguity. Remember that while phrases like "underlying assumption", "premise for", and "rationale for" can serve as alternatives depending on the context, clarity is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underlying assumption

Focuses on the implicit nature of the assumption.

premise for

Highlights the foundational aspect of the assumption.

rationale for

Emphasizes the reasoning or justification behind something.

basis for

Stresses the fundamental support provided by the assumption.

thinking behind

Focuses on the thought process leading to a particular decision or action.

reasoning behind

Highlights the logical justification.

underlying principle

Emphasizes the foundational rule or belief.

supposition underlying

Highlights the hypothetical nature of the assumption.

presupposition of

Focuses on what is taken for granted beforehand.

belief underpinning

Emphasizes the supportive role of the belief.

FAQs

How can I use "assumption behind" in a sentence?

You can use "assumption behind" to introduce the underlying belief or rationale for a particular action, decision, or argument. For example, "The "assumption behind" this policy is that it will improve public safety."

What are some alternatives to using "assumption behind"?

Alternatives include "underlying assumption", "premise for", or "rationale for depending on the specific context".

Is it better to say "assumption behind" or "underlying assumption"?

Both "assumption behind" and "underlying assumption" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on stylistic preference and the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "assumption behind" and "reasoning behind"?

While both relate to underlying justification, "assumption behind" implies a belief taken for granted, whereas "reasoning behind" suggests a more explicit and logical justification.