had been assumed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had been assumed" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is the past perfect form of the verb "to assume," indicating an action that occurred in the past before another past action. Example: The experiment was a failure because the initial conditions had been assumed incorrectly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But that Deng held ultimate sway had been assumed anyway.

The Economist

Until then, it had been assumed you couldn't let unemployment go above one million.

The Guardian

The work suggests that many more genes than had been assumed are regulated by the clock.

The New Yorker

It had been assumed, of course, that the election would be over by now.

The New York Times

It had been assumed the pair, along with Nick Frost, were moving on to pastures new.

The Guardian - Film

It had been assumed that the intentions of the Nairobi attackers were similar.

Independent

Studies of discordant couples show that to be so, but much less than had been assumed.

The Economist

It turns out that businessmen are more price-sensitive than had been assumed.

The Economist

It had been assumed that his replacement, David Phelps, would relinquish his spot to make room.

The New York Times - Sports

In a Webcast on Thursday afternoon, Danica Patrick made official what had been assumed for months.

The New York Times

It had been assumed that neutrinos were essentially massless particles, like the photon particles that carry light.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had been assumed", ensure the context clearly indicates whose assumption it was. Specifying the source of the assumption adds clarity and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "had been assumed" when a simpler past tense ("was assumed") is sufficient. Use "had been assumed" only when referring to an assumption made before another past action or time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had been assumed" functions as a passive voice construction in the past perfect tense. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates an assumption that was made at some point in the past, prior to another event also in the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had been assumed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies a past assumption, often one that is no longer considered valid. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across various contexts, notably in News & Media and Scientific domains. When employing this phrase, clarity is crucial: specify the source of the assumption and ensure the tense aligns with the timeline of events. By understanding its nuances and following the best practices, you can effectively communicate past beliefs and their subsequent revisions in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was previously believed

This alternative focuses on a past belief that has since been revised or disproven.

was formerly understood

This phrase highlights a past understanding that is no longer current.

was initially thought

This alternative emphasizes the preliminary nature of an initial idea or assumption.

was originally conceived

This option is suitable when discussing the initial design or conceptualization of something.

was traditionally considered

This phrase emphasizes the role of tradition in shaping the assumption.

was commonly accepted

This alternative focuses on the widespread agreement surrounding a particular belief.

was presupposed

This option highlights the underlying assumptions that were taken for granted.

was taken for granted

This phrase indicates that the assumption was made without conscious thought or consideration.

was presumed

This alternative indicates an assumption based on probability or likelihood.

was deemed

This phrase indicates a judgment or evaluation that led to the assumption.

FAQs

How can I use "had been assumed" in a sentence?

Use "had been assumed" to indicate something believed or expected before a specific event or time in the past. For example: "It "had been assumed" that the project would be completed on time, but delays occurred".

What are some alternatives to "had been assumed"?

Alternatives include "was previously believed", "was formerly understood", or "was initially thought", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it was assumed" instead of "it had been assumed"?

Yes, "it was assumed" is often correct and simpler. Use "it "had been assumed"" when referring to an assumption made before another event in the past. Otherwise, "it was assumed" is usually sufficient.

What does "had been assumed" imply about the current state of the assumption?

"Had been assumed" typically implies that the assumption is no longer valid or has been proven incorrect. It suggests a change in understanding or circumstances since the assumption was initially made.