broad assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broad assumption" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a general or sweeping belief or idea that has not been proven or backed up with evidence. Example: "The politician's speech was based on broad assumptions about the voting population, rather than actual data and research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The broad assumption is that most urban animals are still sufficiently wild to retain an instinct for survival.

The New York Times

That seems to me a broad assumption, because none of those allegations yielded as intensive an inquiry, with as voluminous a record, as the Lewinsky affair did.

The New York Times - Books

But with the job market now contracting faster, and fear dogging the financial system, the broad assumption has taken hold that 2008 is a lost cause.

The New York Times

There is a broad assumption that festival noise pollution is one way in its flow – the late-night revellers returning to their canvas before dawn.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is a broad assumption in society and in education that the skills you need to be a leader are more or less transferable.

Harvard Business Review

It is unfair, Mr. Madarasz said, to make a broad assumption that most state workers try to take advantage of the system to gain higher pensions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"To make broad assumptions about different people is just wrong.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

His tax plan is so vague that analysts can't score it without making broad assumptions.

The New York Times

Regular readers know that we have warned against making broad assumptions about the costs (or benefits) of regulations.

The Washington Post

Under broad assumptions, the asymptotic variance of the quantile estimator is derived and a consistent variance estimator is proposed.

Computational Statistics & Data Analysis

Broad assumptions are made in the testing and simulation of architectural fabrics used for tensile fabric structures.

Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid relying solely on "broad assumptions" without supporting evidence, as this can weaken your argument. Always aim to substantiate such assumptions with data or logical reasoning.

Common error

Avoid making sweeping generalizations based on limited observations. A "broad assumption" should be supported by more than just anecdotal evidence; otherwise, it risks being inaccurate and misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad assumption" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a general or widespread belief taken for granted. As shown in Ludwig, it's often used to introduce a premise or basis for an argument.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broad assumption" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to a general or widely held belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using "broad assumption", it's crucial to provide context and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "general presupposition" or "widespread belief" can be used to add nuance. Overall, understanding the implications of using "broad assumption" allows for clearer and more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general presupposition

Emphasizes a prior belief taken as a given.

widespread belief

Highlights the extent to which a belief is shared.

common understanding

Focuses on a shared agreement or interpretation.

prevailing notion

Suggests a current or dominant idea.

accepted wisdom

Implies a belief that has been established over time.

conventional view

Indicates a traditional or standard perspective.

established theory

Refers to a formally recognized explanation, often in academic contexts.

popular perception

Highlights how something is commonly viewed by the public.

basic premise

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the assumption.

underlying assumption

Focuses on an implicit or unspoken belief.

FAQs

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

You can use "broad assumption" to indicate a general or widely accepted belief. For example, "The plan was based on the "broad assumption" that interest rates would remain low".

What are some alternatives to "broad assumption"?

Alternatives include "general presupposition", "widespread belief", or "common understanding", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it always negative to make a "broad assumption"?

Not necessarily. While "broad assumptions" can lead to errors if unfounded, they can also serve as starting points for discussions or analyses, provided they are acknowledged and critically examined. They can be problematic if presented as facts without scrutiny.

What's the difference between "broad assumption" and "hypothesis"?

A "broad assumption" is a general belief taken for granted, while a hypothesis is a specific, testable statement. Hypotheses are typically more refined and subject to empirical testing, whereas "broad assumptions" may be more general and less rigorously examined. A hypothesis can be derived from a "broad assumption".