incorrectly assume that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incorrectly assume that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a misunderstanding or a false belief about a particular situation or fact. Example: "Many people incorrectly assume that all cats dislike water, but some actually enjoy it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

14 In this regard, it should be stressed that Huang et al. (2009) incorrectly assume that, as long as ya can be used after the NP following de and cannot be used between V-DE and that NP, the NP in question should be analyzed as the direct object of the verb right before -de.

Lingua Sinica

Fans incorrectly assume that injured athletes are no big deal.

The New York Times - Sports

Many people incorrectly assume that all college athletes are fully covered by health insurance.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is often the fate of elderly patients who incorrectly assume that Medicare will cover everything.

The New York Times - Health

When teenagers incorrectly assume that certain extreme behaviors represent the norm, it can influence the behaviors of the majority (pdf).

The Guardian - Opinion

They are in no position to educate their clients, who incorrectly assume that green design must cost more green.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

He incorrectly assumed that this would not result in huge costs.

The New Yorker

It is often incorrectly assumed that the two stages are different species.

Encyclopedia Britannica

International aid workers, says the report, incorrectly assumed that local healthcare services were either negligible or non-existent.

The Guardian

Critics who say that disparities and shortages persist fault the Pentagon for incorrectly assuming that American troops would return home quickly after the war.

The New York Times

Members of the media, who incorrectly assumed that LeBron would be announcing his retirement, shocked the world by appearing in person, rather than by tuning in via drone.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "incorrectly assume that", ensure you provide evidence or reasoning to support why the assumption is incorrect. This strengthens your argument and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid generalizing that everyone makes the incorrect assumption. Qualify your statement by specifying who is likely to make the assumption, or by using phrases like "many people incorrectly assume that" instead of "people incorrectly assume that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incorrectly assume that" functions as a qualifier, highlighting that a specific assumption is based on inaccurate information or flawed reasoning. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in pointing out misunderstandings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incorrectly assume that" is a versatile tool for identifying and addressing flawed beliefs or misunderstandings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. When using this phrase, providing evidence to support the correction is crucial. Remember to qualify the statement to avoid overgeneralization, and consider alternatives like "wrongly believe that" or "mistakenly think that" to fine-tune the nuance. The phrase functions as a qualifier, correcting misconceptions and prompting more accurate understandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wrongly believe that

Focuses on the belief aspect of the incorrect assumption.

mistakenly think that

Highlights the error in thought leading to the assumption.

erroneously presume that

Emphasizes the mistaken nature of the presumption.

falsely conclude that

Shifts focus to the incorrect conclusion drawn.

naively suppose that

Indicates a lack of awareness or experience behind the assumption.

improperly infer that

Highlights the flawed reasoning process.

misguidedly imagine that

Emphasizes the fanciful or unrealistic nature of the assumption.

inaccurately surmise that

Focuses on the inexactness of the guess or inference.

jump to the conclusion that

Implies a hasty and unwarranted assumption.

labor under the misapprehension that

Suggests a persistent and incorrect understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "incorrectly assume that" in a sentence?

You can use "incorrectly assume that" to point out a common misunderstanding. For example: "Many people "incorrectly assume that" all college athletes are fully covered by health insurance."

What are some alternatives to "incorrectly assume that"?

Some alternatives include "wrongly believe that", "mistakenly think that", or "erroneously presume that", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "incorrectly assume" or "mistakenly assume"?

Both "incorrectly assume" and "mistakenly assume" are acceptable. The choice depends on the context and your preferred style. "Incorrectly" emphasizes the factual inaccuracy, while "mistakenly" highlights the error in judgment.

What's the difference between "incorrectly assume that" and "incorrectly suggest that"?

"Incorrectly assume that" implies a belief or supposition that is wrong, while "incorrectly suggest that" means to imply something that is not true. For example, "They "incorrectly assume that" I am wealthy" versus "His words "incorrectly suggest that" I am lying."