i presume

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I presume" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express an assumption or belief about something based on available information or evidence. Example: "I presume you have completed the report since the deadline was yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

(I presume by design).

The New York Times

I presume he did.

The New Yorker

I presume he's delighted Wrong.

Independent

"I presume it was".

The Guardian

"Not the band, I presume.

The Guardian - Sport

But I presume too much.

The New Yorker

This, I presume, is the new home.

The Economist

(They work for the military, I presume).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

A brand name, I presume.

The New York Times

I. Presume.

Huffington Post

A blow-up, I presume?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I presume" to politely introduce an assumption, especially when you want to confirm something without being too direct.

Common error

While versatile, relying too heavily on "I presume" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "I assume" or "I gather" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I presume" serves as a declarative expression of assumption or expectation. It is commonly used to introduce a statement that the speaker believes to be true based on available evidence or context, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I presume" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express an assumption or expectation, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is versatile enough for various contexts, offering a polite way to introduce a statement that may require confirmation. Although prevalent in news and media, it also appears in scientific and formal business writing. While versatile, consider alternating with synonyms to prevent overuse. Overall, it's a reliable phrase for expressing assumptions with a touch of politeness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I assume

Indicates a slightly stronger level of confidence in the assumption.

I take it

A more conversational way of expressing an assumption.

I expect

Suggests a reasonable anticipation based on prior knowledge or experience.

It is my understanding

A more formal way of expressing comprehension and expectation.

I gather

Implies collecting information that leads to a conclusion.

I have reason to believe

Suggests that there's evidence that supports the speaker's belief.

I infer

Suggests drawing a conclusion from evidence.

I understand

Indicates comprehension that something is likely the case.

I deduce

Indicates arriving at a conclusion through logical reasoning.

I surmise

A more formal term for guessing or inferring.

FAQs

How can I use "I presume" in a sentence?

You can use "I presume" to politely introduce an assumption or expectation, such as, "I presume you are aware of the new company policy."

What's the difference between "I presume" and "I assume"?

"I presume" and "I assume" are similar, but "I presume" can sometimes carry a slightly more polite or tentative tone compared to "I assume", which is generally more direct.

What are some alternatives to using "I presume"?

Alternatives to "I presume" include "I expect", "I imagine", or "I gather", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it appropriate to use "I presume" in formal writing?

Yes, "I presume" is suitable for formal writing, but consider the context. In extremely formal situations, phrases like "It is my understanding" or "I have reason to believe" might be more appropriate.