incorrect assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

"incorrect assumption" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone has come to a conclusion that is not based on facts or reality. For example, "Your incorrect assumption that I wanted to talk to her was the reason I was so surprised."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This means that today's best theories similarly need a major shakeup, by retiring an incorrect assumption.

The Guardian

Their lower estimates were based on the incorrect assumption that all climate influences are equally effective.

The Guardian

In the past, much microcline was misidentified as orthoclase because of the incorrect assumption that all microcline is green.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Usually, the clerk would make the incorrect assumption and give me the rate since I knew enough to ask for it".

The New York Times

Act two was in Europe in 2011-12, when it became obvious that the lending had been made on the incorrect assumption that all eurozone countries were equal.

The Guardian - Opinion

The opposite, incorrect assumption seemed to happen at the outer courts of the BNP Paribas Open, where players occasionally appear to forget that the system is available.

The New York Times - Sports

Colonial administrators soon shortened Nadouessioux to Sioux and also made the incorrect assumption that this term referred to a unified people.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He realized then that he had made an incorrect assumption and that the buyer had been thinking ahead to her apartment's resale potential.

The New York Times

"I must object to the grossly offensive and incorrect assumption that the police service suffers from widescale corruption," said Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales.

The Guardian

Campbell stated that the effect was that the AC-130 targeted the hospital under the incorrect assumption that the facility was a building that Afghan forces were clearing of insurgents.

The Guardian

Forced assimilation has largely dominated Indigenous policy since federation, just as an incorrect assumption of the vanishment and destruction of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people drove European thinking from the first days of the colonial frontier.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "incorrect assumption", ensure you clearly identify what the correct information or perspective is to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "incorrect assumption" without providing context or explanation, as readers may not understand what the correct assumption should be. Always clarify the discrepancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incorrect assumption" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies a flawed or inaccurate premise underlying a statement, argument, or action. As Ludwig indicates, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incorrect assumption" is a frequently used noun phrase used to point out a false or inaccurate belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for use across various contexts from news and media to scientific writing. When employing this phrase, it's advisable to provide context to clarify the correct understanding and avoid ambiguity. By recognizing and addressing "incorrect assumptions", you can improve the clarity and accuracy of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

false premise

Focuses on the logical flaw in the starting point of an argument.

mistaken belief

Highlights the element of conviction in the inaccurate idea.

erroneous notion

Emphasizes that the idea is not only wrong but based on misunderstanding.

flawed understanding

Underscores the deficient comprehension leading to the error.

invalid premise

Similar to "false premise" but stresses the lack of logical validity.

inaccurate presupposition

Highlights that the error stems from something taken for granted beforehand.

unfounded expectation

Shifts the focus to the anticipation based on a flawed base.

misconceived idea

Highlights the element of misunderstanding in the formulation of the concept.

unjustified conclusion

Highlights the lack of rationale behind the inference.

wrong conjecture

Emphasizes the speculative nature of the incorrect idea.

FAQs

How can I use "incorrect assumption" in a sentence?

You can use "incorrect assumption" to point out a flaw in reasoning or a misunderstanding. For example: "The project failed because it was based on the "incorrect assumption" that the market would remain stable."

What are some alternatives to "incorrect assumption"?

Some alternatives include "false premise", "mistaken belief", or "erroneous notion". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "incorrect assumption" or "wrong assumption"?

"Incorrect assumption" and "wrong assumption" are largely interchangeable. "Incorrect" may sound slightly more formal, but both are acceptable.

What's the difference between "incorrect assumption" and "misleading assumption"?

An "incorrect assumption" is simply wrong. A "misleading assumption", on the other hand, may appear correct initially but ultimately leads to an inaccurate conclusion.