based on supposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "based on supposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing conclusions or decisions that are made without firm evidence, relying instead on assumptions or conjectures. Example: "The theory was developed based on supposition rather than empirical data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This strategy, she adds, is based on supposition, not research.

The New York Times - Health

The earlier estimates had been based on supposition, as it turned out.

The New York Times

Most statements about terrorism – on both sides of the debate – are based on supposition.

The Guardian - Opinion

Distant university contemporaries of Tony were found, but the comments they produced on Blair's alleged spliffing were based on supposition, not fact.

Independent

Having constructed his own story of tragic hubris and abject failure – based on supposition and then, well, watching the trailer - Queenan now lays into every aspect of Branagh's career, ambition, personality, stage technique, eyes, mouth, chin.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The idea that Brady stifled his photographers, or took undue credit for work that was theirs — undue by the standards of their day, not ours — is based on supposition and not evidence, and seems wrongheaded," Mr. Wilson comments.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Unfortunately, this approach does not allow for evidence-based decision making when different design aspects have been based on suppositions that have not been formally investigated.

BMC Veterinary Research

He said the case "is based on suppositions — they have no facts".

The New York Times - Arts

Since then, advice to restrict fat or avoid saturated fat has been based on suppositions about what would have happened had such trials been done, not on the studies themselves.

The New York Times

Again, we're positing based on suppositions.

TechCrunch

Where many ancient and modern ideals of politics were based on suppositions about the nature of reality or of human beings, contemporary political philosophies generally operate without supposing that there are any universal or eternal truths.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "based on supposition", ensure the context clearly acknowledges the lack of concrete evidence. This transparency enhances credibility, especially when presenting preliminary findings or theoretical arguments.

Common error

Avoid presenting information "based on supposition" as definitive facts. Qualify your statements to reflect the speculative nature of the underlying assumptions, preventing misinterpretation and maintaining intellectual honesty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "based on supposition" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the foundation upon which something is predicated. It clarifies that a claim or conclusion is derived from assumptions rather than concrete evidence, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "based on supposition" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that a statement or conclusion is derived from assumptions rather than concrete evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not extremely common, it finds its place in analytical writing, particularly in scientific, news, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to maintain transparency about the lack of definitive proof to avoid misleading readers. Alternatives such as "based on conjecture" or "based on speculation" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on conjecture

Replaces "supposition" with "conjecture", emphasizing a conclusion based on incomplete evidence.

based on speculation

Substitutes "supposition" with "speculation", highlighting a guess or theory made without sufficient evidence.

based on assumption

Replaces "supposition" with "assumption", focusing on an underlying belief taken for granted.

predicated on guesswork

Uses "guesswork" instead of "supposition", indicating a reliance on uncertain estimates.

founded on unsubstantiated claims

Emphasizes the lack of proof by using "unsubstantiated claims" instead of "supposition".

derived from unproven theories

Highlights the origin of the idea as stemming from theories that lack verification.

resting on unfounded beliefs

Focuses on the base of the idea being "unfounded beliefs" rather than concrete evidence.

built on presumptive evidence

Suggests that the foundation is "presumptive evidence", implying it's not conclusive.

constructed from speculative data

Uses "speculative data" to indicate that the information used is not reliable.

hinging on unverified information

Emphasizes the critical dependency on information that has not been checked or confirmed.

FAQs

How can I use "based on supposition" in a sentence?

You can use "based on supposition" to indicate that a statement or conclusion relies on assumptions rather than concrete evidence. For instance, "His argument was based on supposition, lacking any empirical data to support it."

What are some alternatives to "based on supposition"?

Alternatives include "based on conjecture", "based on speculation", or "based on assumption" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "based on supposition" or "based on hypothesis"?

"Based on supposition" implies a weaker foundation than "based on hypothesis". A hypothesis is a proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation, while a supposition is a belief held without proof.

When is it appropriate to use "based on supposition" in writing?

Use "based on supposition" when you need to acknowledge that your statements are not firmly grounded in facts, but rather on assumptions or beliefs. It's crucial in contexts where transparency about the evidence (or lack thereof) is important.