have been assuming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been assuming" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a continuous action or belief that started in the past and is still relevant or ongoing. Example: "I have been assuming that the meeting was scheduled for 10 AM, but I just found out it was changed to 11 AM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"Policy makers have been assuming that banning e-cigarette sales to minors will improve public health.

Yale University

For example, we have been assuming that WeatherIze would not introduce branded fabrics without first expanding its awning fabric capacity.

Harvard Business Review

In our solar system, there is twice as much oxygen per hydrogen atom as there is carbon, and we have been assuming that is true everywhere.

Princeton University

Few outsiders may realize it, but in the automobile industry outside design studios have been assuming a much greater role in new-model development.

The New York Times

For the last two years investors have been assuming that oil prices would soften and have basically refused to bid up the integrated oil stocks.

The New York Times

The financial markets, Mr. Greenspan said, "have been assuming a far more rapid snap back than I frankly think is likely to happen".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Ideal solutions have been assumed.

Chemical Engineering Science

The exciting forces have been assumed to be periodic.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

So far, carriers have been assumed to have a sheet-like character.

Physica E: Low-dimensional Systems and Nanostructures

The input parameters namely monitoring distance and maximum charge per delay have been assumed as lognormally distributed random variables, while the burden has been assumed as discreet variable.

International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences

Steel frames have been assumed to have elastic-plastic behavior with 1% linear strain hardening.

Engineering Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been assuming" to describe a continuous, ongoing belief or expectation that may have influenced decisions or actions.

Common error

Don't use "have been assuming" if you've confirmed something. Instead, state the fact directly. For example, instead of "I have been assuming he's the manager, but I just confirmed it", say "He is the manager."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been assuming" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous action or state of believing something to be true, often without concrete proof. It shows a past belief that may still be held or has recently changed. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been assuming" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a continuous belief or supposition, often without solid evidence. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase appears frequently across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When writing, use "have been assuming" to explain past actions or thoughts based on a held belief, but avoid using it when certainty has been established. Alternatives include "have been presuming" or "have been supposing" for more formal contexts, or ""have been expecting"" when referring to anticipated outcomes. Pay attention to the nuance in the context to ensure you are using the most appropriate expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been presuming

Replaces "assuming" with "presuming", suggesting a slightly stronger belief without concrete evidence.

have been supposing

Substitutes "assuming" with "supposing", implying a tentative belief based on limited information.

have been expecting

Replaces "assuming" with "expecting", focusing on anticipation of a future event based on a belief.

have been anticipating

Similar to "expecting" but suggests a more active and prepared anticipation.

have been thinking

Replaces "assuming" with "thinking", indicating a general consideration or belief.

have been believing

Substitutes "assuming" with "believing", emphasizing a conviction in the truth of something.

have been under the impression

Indicates that the belief was formed based on a specific feeling or understanding.

have been operating under the assumption

Highlights that actions were taken based on a particular belief.

have been taking for granted

Suggests that the belief was held without conscious thought or questioning.

have been envisioning

Implies creating a mental image or expectation of something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "have been assuming" in a formal context?

In formal contexts, you can replace "have been assuming" with phrases like "have been presuming", "have been supposing", or "have been operating under the assumption" for a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "have been assuming" and "have been expecting"?

"Have been assuming" implies a belief or supposition without necessarily anticipating a specific outcome. "Have been expecting", on the other hand, suggests anticipating a particular event or result based on a belief. For example, "I have been assuming it would rain" versus "I "have been expecting" him to call".

Is it correct to use "have been assuming" when the assumption turned out to be false?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. "Have been assuming" describes a past, ongoing belief. Even if that belief proves incorrect, the phrase accurately describes the state of mind at the time. For example, "I "had been assuming" the train would be on time, but it was delayed".

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "have been assuming"?

A common mistake is using "have been assuming" when the belief is based on concrete evidence or facts. In such cases, it's better to use phrases that convey certainty, like "have known" or "have believed based on evidence". Also, avoid using it when the assumption is very recent; "have been assuming" implies a belief held over some time.