be assumed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be assumed to" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is believed or expected to be true, without stating it as a fact. Here is an example: "In the absence of any concrete evidence, the police could only assume that the suspect was assumed to have left the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But chronological age should not be assumed to imply infirmity.

The Guardian

No drug-taking can be assumed to be safe".

The Guardian

The resemblance, therefore, must be assumed to be coincidental.

Encyclopedia Britannica

True moral education encourages critical thinking and cannot be assumed to promote virtuous behavior any more than education about economics can be assumed to promote thrift.

The New York Times - Science

Anyway, where North Korea is concerned, improbable should not be assumed to mean untrue.

The Guardian - Opinion

What was formerly free cannot always be assumed to be free.

The Guardian

Many of the buildings still standing in the top picture can be assumed to be damaged.

The New York Times

The Home Office says that EU countries can be assumed to be safe.

The Guardian

Here, politicians are likely to be assumed to be wicked, and can expect no mercy.

The New York Times

The Arab Spring offers ample evidence that no dictatorship should be assumed to be indelible.

The New Yorker

Its success might be assumed to explain Mr Redford's involvement in "All is Lost".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be assumed to" when presenting information that is likely true but not definitively proven. It adds a layer of nuance and avoids stating something as an absolute fact.

Common error

Avoid constructing overly passive sentences. While "be assumed to" is grammatically sound, excessive use of passive voice can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Strive for a balance between passive and active voice to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be assumed to" functions as a passive construction expressing a supposition or inference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests something is considered true, often without explicit evidence. The examples showcase its role in presenting hypotheses or probabilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be assumed to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a belief or expectation without asserting it as a definitive fact. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It's prevalent in news, science, and encyclopedic content, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While useful, it's important to avoid overusing passive voice and to provide supporting evidence when possible. Consider alternatives like "be presumed to" or "be believed to" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember, clarity and balance are key to effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be presumed to

Shares a similar meaning, but "presumed" often implies a legal or formal context.

be believed to

"Believed" focuses more on a subjective opinion or conviction.

be thought to

A common alternative, but less formal than "assumed" or "presumed".

be considered to

"Considered" implies a more deliberate evaluation or judgment.

be expected to

"Expected" emphasizes anticipation or a predicted outcome.

be understood to

"Understood" suggests a general agreement or common knowledge.

be deemed to

"Deemed" often carries a more official or authoritative connotation.

be regarded to

"Regarded" places emphasis on a particular perspective or viewpoint.

be anticipated to

"Anticipated" suggests a proactive expectation based on prior knowledge or trends.

be speculated to

"Speculated" implies conjecture or guesswork without firm evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "be assumed to" in a sentence?

The phrase "be assumed to" indicates something is believed to be true without concrete proof. For example: "The missing documents can "be assumed to" be lost."

What are some alternatives to "be assumed to"?

Alternatives include "be presumed to", "be believed to", or "be thought to". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

What's the difference between "be assumed to" and "be supposed to"?

"Be assumed to" implies a lack of definitive proof but a reasonable basis for belief. "Be supposed to" suggests an expectation or obligation, rather than a belief about reality. For example, "The package is supposed to arrive tomorrow." indicates an expectation, not an assumption about its current status.

Is it always appropriate to use "be assumed to" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can weaken your arguments. When possible, provide evidence or justification to support your claims instead of relying solely on assumptions. Consider stronger verbs if the context allows.