be assumed to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'be assumed to be' is correct and usable in written English, and it can be used to express a supposition or expectation.
For example: It can be assumed to be true that he will arrive on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

The Guardian

And, of course, all such destruction must be assumed to be creative!

The New Yorker

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

Bikes without tags, the theory goes, can safely be assumed to be abandoned.

The New York Times

So most dust now in orbit around earth can be assumed to be man-made.

The Economist

Dioceses and religious orders that go bankrupt cannot be assumed to be representative.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be assumed to be" to indicate a supposition or expectation, especially when direct evidence is lacking. This suggests a starting point for reasoning or investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "be assumed to be" excessively, as it can lead to passive voice and weaker writing. Consider rephrasing with a more direct and active construction when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be assumed to be" primarily functions as a verbal phrase used to express a supposition, presumption, or expectation about a subject without definitive proof. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in scientific, news, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be assumed to be" is a versatile verbal phrase used to express a supposition or expectation without definitive proof. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in science and news media, as well as encyclopedia. While generally acceptable, overusing it can weaken writing. Consider stronger, more direct alternatives when possible. The phrase functions to introduce a hypothesis or express a common belief, and its register is typically neutral to formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be presumed to be

Suggests a belief based on probability.

be considered to be

Focuses more on the act of considering rather than assuming.

be believed to be

Emphasizes faith or conviction.

be regarded as

Emphasizes a general opinion or viewpoint.

be thought to be

Indicates a general belief or opinion.

be understood as

Highlights comprehension or interpretation.

be expected to be

Implies anticipation or a forecast.

be taken to be

Focuses on how something is perceived or interpreted.

be deemed to be

Suggests a formal judgment or decision.

be seen as

Highlights the visual aspect of perception.

FAQs

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

You can use "be assumed to be" to express a supposition or expectation, such as "The data can "be assumed to be" normally distributed."

What are some alternatives to "be assumed to be"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be presumed to be", "be considered to be", or "be believed to be", which offer subtle differences in meaning.

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

While generally acceptable, overuse of "be assumed to be" can make writing sound passive. Opt for stronger, more direct verbs when possible to improve clarity and impact.

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

"Be assumed to be" implies a supposition without concrete evidence, while "be proven to be" indicates that evidence exists to support a claim. The former is a starting point, the latter a conclusion.