credible assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "credible assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a belief or idea that is reasonable and can be supported by evidence or logic. Example: "Based on the available data, we can make a credible assumption about the project's potential success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That's simply not a credible assumption.

The New York Times

The existence of the progenitor species in Australia for a long period of time is a credible assumption considering the remarkable stasis of the ACK and AK chromosomes across crucifer lineages I and II [ 32, 33, 49].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Official projections that this deficit will decline over time aren't based on "credible assumptions".

The New York Times

Official projections that this deficit will decline over time aren't based on "credible assumptions". Realistic projections show a huge buildup of debt over the next decade, which will accelerate once the baby boomers retire in large numbers.

The New York Times

Importantly, there remains clear evidence for a reduction in incidence among women under all credible assumptions for the effect of ART.

Plosone

For this to be the case, it is absolutely imperative to have a model built on credible assumptions and implemented with technical accuracy to distinguish itself from a null result (a failure of technical implementation) where nothing is learned.

CPT: Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology

Hence, in order to avoid the imposition of non-credible assumptions about the data or functional forms, we estimate the two equations separately via simple ordinary least squares.19 Standard errors are clustered at the U.S. county level –the finest geographic level at which immigration enforcement policies are implemented (Bertrand et al.2004).2004

IZA Journal of Migration

Bruce Winders, the resident historian and curator of the Alamo, credits Mr. Harrigan with creating a vivid story but one based on credible historical assumptions he described as "extremely current".

The New York Times - Books

We formalized the concept of a "minimum assumption credible design" (MACD) to leverage available local information (topography/bathymetry and existing infrastructure) and the essential engineering knowledge and required construction materials (i.e., a design cross-section template).

Global Environmental Change

Public health practitioners have emphasized the need for models with credible and valid assumptions [ 1].

BMC Public Health

Was the simplification of the underlying biological process in model steps realistic, i.e. were the model assumptions credible?

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "credible assumption", ensure that the context provides some basis for the assumption's believability, either through data, logic, or expert opinion.

Common error

Avoid presenting an assumption as a "credible assumption" if it lacks any supporting evidence or logical basis. This can undermine your argument and damage your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "credible assumption" functions as a noun phrase where "credible" modifies the noun "assumption". It serves to characterize the assumption as worthy of belief or acceptance. This is consistent with Ludwig's assessment that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "credible assumption" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, though it appears relatively infrequently. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase conveys a sense of believability and is used to frame assumptions as trustworthy, particularly in news and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "plausible assumption" and "reasonable assumption" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. Using "credible assumption" appropriately requires ensuring there is a rational basis for the assumption to be considered believable, avoiding unsupported claims of credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plausible assumption

Replaces "credible" with a synonym that emphasizes the believability of the assumption.

reasonable assumption

Uses "reasonable" to suggest that the assumption is logical and well-founded.

well-founded assumption

Highlights that the assumption is based on solid evidence or reasoning.

valid assumption

Emphasizes that the assumption is sound and justified.

tenable assumption

Indicates that the assumption is defensible and can be maintained.

supportable assumption

Focuses on the idea that the assumption can be backed up with evidence.

justifiable assumption

Suggests that there are good reasons to accept the assumption.

logical assumption

Highlights the rational basis of the assumption.

sound assumption

Indicates that the assumption is reliable and not flawed.

realistic assumption

Implies that the assumption reflects the true state of affairs.

FAQs

What does "credible assumption" mean?

A "credible assumption" refers to a belief or idea taken for granted that is reasonable and supported by available evidence or logical reasoning.

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

You might say, "It's a "reasonable assumption" that the project will succeed given the positive initial results, making it a "credible assumption" for our future plans."

What are some alternatives to "credible assumption"?

Alternatives include "plausible assumption", "reasonable assumption", or "well-founded assumption", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "credible assumption" or "realistic assumption"?

Both are valid, but "credible assumption" emphasizes believability based on evidence, while "realistic assumption" suggests the assumption aligns with the true state of affairs. The best choice depends on the specific context.