by assuming

USAGE SUMMARY

"by assuming" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is based on a presumption, conjecture, or hypothesis. Example: By assuming that he was involved in the incident, we were able to prove his guilt.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'll begin by assuming the lotus position.

The New Yorker

And so, I start by assuming only this.

The New York Times

Flatfishes can mimic their background by assuming a similar coloration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They flatter the reader by assuming a breadth and depth of political, theological and scientific knowledge.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sah began her research by assuming that we are different people at different hours.

The New Yorker

Most of us live our lives by assuming a level of certainty about the fundamentals.

The Guardian

Hockey: Well, it's for him, I start by assuming everyone is honourable.

The Guardian

Day Two integrates itself into the BBC1 schedule by assuming the shape of a Spooks episode.

The Guardian

European unity cannot be achieved by assuming away differences, but by recognising them.

The Economist

Solutionists err by assuming, rather than investigating, the problems they set out to tackle.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A passer-by, assuming they were for the taking, stopped to look.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by assuming", ensure the assumption is clearly stated and relevant to the argument or analysis. This helps maintain clarity and avoids misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "by assuming" without providing any justification or basis for the assumption. Always offer some rationale or evidence to support the assumption, even if it's a common understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by assuming" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a condition or premise upon which an argument, calculation, or model is based. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. For example, "The governing equations are simplified by assuming long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximations."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by assuming" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase widely used to introduce a premise or condition that forms the basis of an argument or analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across various domains. While "by supposing", "assuming that" and "on the assumption that" can serve as alternatives, it's crucial to ensure the assumption is clearly stated and relevant to avoid ambiguity. The register ranges from formal and scientific in academic contexts to neutral in news and media. Its frequency in scientific literature is notable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assuming that

A more direct and concise way to introduce a condition or hypothesis.

presuming that

Suggests taking something as true without proof.

supposing that

Introduces a possibility or condition that is being considered.

on the assumption that

Emphasizes the reliance on a specific assumption as the basis for a conclusion or action.

given that

Indicates that something is already known or accepted as true.

under the premise that

Highlights the foundational nature of the assumption as a starting point for reasoning.

with the understanding that

Highlights a mutual agreement or shared assumption.

based on the hypothesis that

Specifically frames the statement as a testable scientific assumption.

taking for granted that

Emphasizes that the assumption is accepted without questioning.

positing that

Implies putting forward an idea as a basis for argument or discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "by assuming" in a sentence?

Use "by assuming" to introduce a premise or condition that forms the basis of your argument or calculation. For example, "The model was simplified "by assuming" a constant rate of decay".

What are some alternatives to "by assuming"?

You can use phrases like "on the assumption that", "assuming that", or "under the premise that" to express a similar idea.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state an assumption when using "by assuming"?

While not always mandatory, explicitly stating the assumption after ""by assuming"" enhances clarity and helps avoid misinterpretations, especially in formal writing.

What's the difference between "by assuming" and "by supposing"?

"By assuming" suggests a more definitive starting point for reasoning, while "by supposing" implies a more tentative or hypothetical consideration.