guess that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "guess that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are making an assumption or estimation about something. Example: "I guess that the meeting will start at 10 AM, but I haven't received a confirmation yet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I guess that fits.

The New York Times

"I guess that does it".

The New Yorker

I guess that includes me".

The New York Times

I guess that explained it.

The New Yorker

Did you guess that?

The New York Times

So I guess that answers that.

The New Yorker

I guess that was my "genuine connection".

The New York Times

You could guess that," Oakley said.

The New Yorker

… I guess that is step one.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I will never second-guess that decision.

The New York Times - Sports

Guess that means a sequel.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "guess that" to introduce a statement based on an assumption or limited information. It's often used when you don't have concrete evidence but want to express a reasonable conclusion.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "guess that" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and evidence-based language to strengthen your argument. Consider stronger verbs like "infer", "deduce", or "conclude" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "guess that" functions as a hedge, softening the assertion and indicating a degree of uncertainty. It's used to introduce a proposition based on limited information or assumption, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

26%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "guess that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to introduce an assumption or tentative conclusion. According to Ludwig, it functions as a hedge, softening assertions and indicating uncertainty. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and opt for more precise language in formal settings. The phrase finds frequent usage in news and media, academia, and informal conversations, making it a valuable tool for expressing opinions without committing to definitive statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I suppose that

Replaces "guess" with "suppose", indicating a similar level of uncertainty or assumption.

I assume that

Uses "assume" instead of "guess", suggesting a slightly stronger belief or expectation.

I presume that

Employs "presume", indicating an assumption based on probability or prior evidence.

I imagine that

Replaces "guess" with "imagine", suggesting a thought based on limited evidence.

I reckon that

Uses "reckon" instead of "guess", a more informal and regional alternative.

I infer that

Employs "infer", suggesting a conclusion drawn from reasoning and evidence.

I deduce that

Uses "deduce" instead of "guess", indicating a conclusion reached through logical deduction.

it seems that

Offers a less personal perspective, focusing on the appearance of things.

it appears that

Similar to "it seems that", but perhaps implying a slightly more formal observation.

I would venture to say that

A more cautious and tentative way of expressing a guess or opinion.

FAQs

How can I use "guess that" in a sentence?

You can use "guess that" to express an assumption or conclusion based on available information. For example, "The store is closed; I "guess that" they are out for lunch".

What are some alternatives to "guess that"?

Alternatives to "guess that" include "I suppose that", "I assume that", or "it seems that". The choice depends on the level of certainty you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I guess that" or "I guess it"?

Both "I "guess that"" and "I guess it" can be correct depending on the context. "I guess that" is typically followed by a full clause, while "I guess it" is used as a standalone response.

What's the difference between "I guess that" and "I think that"?

"I "guess that"" implies a lower level of certainty than "I think that". When you "guess", you are making an assumption without strong evidence. When you "think", you have some reason to believe something is true.