groundless supposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "groundless supposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an assumption or belief that lacks any basis or evidence. Example: "The accusation was based on a groundless supposition that he had ulterior motives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That scene is groundless supposition, but there was a real Tom Lefroy, of an old Irish Protestant family.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The accusations were groundless".

The New York Times

My fears were groundless.

The Guardian

It was all supposition.

Independent

This supposition is worrisome.

The New York Times

The fears proved groundless.

The Economist

Any worries were groundless.

The New York Times - Books

It's groundless".

The Guardian

Now, this is supposition.

The New Yorker

These accusations were groundless.

The Guardian

This proved groundless.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "groundless supposition", ensure the context clearly indicates the lack of evidence or justification for the stated belief or assumption. This strengthens your argument by highlighting the weakness of the opposing viewpoint.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the potential consequences of a "groundless supposition". Focus on the factual basis (or lack thereof) rather than speculative outcomes to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "groundless supposition" functions as a noun phrase where "groundless" is an adjective modifying the noun "supposition". It describes a belief or assumption that lacks any factual basis. Ludwig examples show its usage in dismissing accusations or claims.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In essence, "groundless supposition" is a phrase used to denote a belief or assumption that lacks any factual basis or evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Though not very common, it effectively communicates the lack of justification for a particular claim. The phrase is versatile, suitable for both formal and informal settings, with a predominantly neutral register. Related phrases such as "baseless assumption" or "unfounded conjecture" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific context. When using "groundless supposition", ensure clarity and precision to effectively convey the lack of evidence supporting the stated belief.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

baseless assumption

Replaces "supposition" with "assumption" and "groundless" with "baseless", both indicating a lack of foundation.

unfounded conjecture

Substitutes "supposition" with "conjecture" and "groundless" with "unfounded", emphasizing the speculative nature of the claim.

unsupported hypothesis

Replaces "supposition" with "hypothesis" and "groundless" with "unsupported", suitable in contexts where a formal claim is being made without evidence.

unsubstantiated claim

Replaces "groundless supposition" with a more direct statement about the lack of evidence for a claim.

tenuous assertion

Uses "tenuous" to describe an assertion that is weak and lacks a solid basis, similar to "groundless".

invalid premise

Focuses on the logical aspect, indicating that the initial premise or assumption is not valid or sound.

empty speculation

Emphasizes the speculative nature of the claim and its lack of substance.

gratuitous assumption

Suggests the assumption is made without any reason or justification, adding a sense of being unnecessary or unwarranted.

idle fancy

Implies the supposition is more of a whimsical thought than a serious consideration, lacking any grounding in reality.

flimsy pretext

Describes a reason or excuse (pretext) that is weak and easily refuted, similar to a groundless supposition used to justify something.

FAQs

How can I use "groundless supposition" in a sentence?

You can use "groundless supposition" to describe a claim or belief that lacks any factual basis or evidence. For example, "The accusation was based on a "groundless supposition" that he had ulterior motives."

What are some alternatives to "groundless supposition"?

Alternatives include "baseless assumption", "unfounded conjecture", or "unsupported hypothesis", depending on the context and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "groundless supposition" a formal or informal phrase?

"Groundless supposition" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in written or spoken language that requires precision and clarity.

What's the difference between "groundless supposition" and "mere speculation"?

"Groundless supposition" specifically implies a lack of evidence for a belief or claim, while "mere speculation" suggests that the idea is purely speculative and lacks any grounding in reality. While similar, "mere speculation" often carries a stronger connotation of uncertainty and conjecture.