generally assume

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generally assume" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when stating a common belief or understanding that is widely accepted without requiring specific evidence. Example: "In scientific discussions, we generally assume that the laws of physics apply universally."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But other games generally assume their audience includes fans, first-timers, and everyone in between.

The Guardian - Tech

If you say you're studying an MA, undergrads generally assume you're really old and boring".

The Guardian

Those who call for limitations on popular participation generally assume that the populace is incorrigibly bigoted.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Citizens generally assume our government is not spying on them," Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore).

The Guardian

Conservatives and liberals alike generally assume that population growth drives economic growth.

The New York Times

Economists generally assume that higher prices reduce demand but raise supply.

The Economist

People generally assume a) I am married and b) the father lives with us, neither of which are true.

The Guardian

Fans, boosters and politicians generally assume that events like the Olympics produce huge economic benefits for the host country.

The New York Times

"I generally assume these drugs are all the same unless somebody goes out and proves differently," Dr. Temple said.

The New York Times

People generally assume they will continue to be so, even though many women have paid jobs outside the home.

The Economist

Curators generally assume this role, although history shows that the most qualified experts are often artists themselves.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "generally assume", ensure that the assumption you're referencing is indeed widely held. Provide evidence or context if the assumption may be contested or unknown to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "generally assume" when the assumption is specific to a niche group or context. Overstating the generality can weaken your argument and mislead readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally assume" functions as a declarative expression, used to introduce a common belief, expectation, or premise. It sets the stage for further explanation or argumentation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "generally assume" is a versatile phrase used to introduce common beliefs or expectations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is particularly frequent in scientific and news-related contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the assumption is genuinely widespread and consider providing context to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives like "commonly believe" or "typically expect" can add nuance depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commonly presume

Emphasizes the widespread nature of the presumption, similar to "generally assume".

typically expect

Focuses on expectation rather than assumption, implying a degree of anticipation.

widely believe

Highlights the common belief aspect, suggesting broad acceptance of an idea.

usually suppose

Indicates a less formal and more tentative assumption.

largely presume

Indicates that the presumption is held by a significant portion of people.

commonly expect

Highlights that something is considered normal and expected.

presume as a rule

Indicates the assumption is made according to a rule.

take for granted

Suggests an assumption is made without conscious thought or examination.

presuppose in general

Emphasizes the assumption as a necessary condition.

infer broadly

Suggests a conclusion based on available evidence, applying it widely.

FAQs

How can I use "generally assume" in a sentence?

You can use "generally assume" to introduce a widely held belief or expectation, such as: "People "generally assume" that hard work leads to success."

What are some alternatives to "generally assume"?

Some alternatives include "commonly believe", "typically expect", or "widely believe", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "people generally assume" or "generally people assume"?

The correct phrasing is "people "generally assume"". Placing "generally" before "people" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "generally assume" and "typically assume"?

"Generally assume" suggests a broader and more widespread assumption, while "typically assume" implies an assumption that is common in a specific context or situation.