it cannot be assumed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it cannot be assumed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that a particular conclusion or belief should not be taken for granted without evidence or justification. Example: "In this analysis, it cannot be assumed that all participants had the same level of experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It cannot be assumed that Taylor will be charged.

The Guardian - Sport

Growth is not assured; it cannot be assumed; and it is not even the highest priority.

The Guardian - Opinion

It cannot be assumed that the nonessential mineral elements play no useful role in metabolism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It cannot be assumed that probability theory would have taken off in the 16th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But with false testimony by professionally trained agents, it cannot be assumed that there was simply an innocent mistake.

The New York Times

It cannot be assumed that her eldest son, who lacks his mother's talent for keeping one's mouth shut, will make the same contribution to keeping the kingdom united.

The Guardian - Opinion

It cannot be assumed that the placid concordat between the public and the crown over which the present queen has presided will seamlessly survive under a different monarch.

The Guardian - Opinion

It cannot be assumed that nurses in downgraded hospitals will undertake to travel tens of miles each way or relocate nearer to their new jobs.

The Guardian

It cannot be assumed that a village, or a neighbourhood is one community just because of shared geography or even socio-economic level.

The Guardian

It cannot be assumed that the Congressional Union of Women Suffragists will be able to persuade the women to vote Republican en masse.

The Guardian

The study did not test other hormone regimens, but many researchers say it cannot be assumed that they are any safer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, clearly state what should not be assumed and why, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it cannot be assumed" as a filler phrase. Always follow up with a clear explanation of what specific assumption is being challenged and why it's problematic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot be assumed" functions as a modal construction used to express uncertainty or to challenge the validity of a particular assumption. As noted by Ludwig, its use indicates that a belief or conclusion should not be accepted without proper evidence or justification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it cannot be assumed" is a versatile phrase used to express uncertainty and challenge assumptions across various contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, it's crucial to use this phrase with clear justification and context to avoid ambiguity. While grammatically correct and widely used, it should be employed thoughtfully to enhance clarity and precision in writing. Its prevalence in academic and scientific texts underscores its value in formal and critical discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it should not be taken for granted

Replaces the modal verb "cannot" with "should not" and uses the idiom "taken for granted" for a similar meaning of not assuming something is true.

one cannot presume

Substitutes "assume" with "presume", conveying a slightly more formal tone. "One" is used instead of "it" to generalize.

it is not necessarily the case

Expresses that something might not be true or happen, avoiding the direct use of "assume".

it is unwise to suppose

Replaces "cannot be assumed" with a suggestion of imprudence in supposing something, implying a risk in making the assumption.

it would be wrong to infer

Focuses on the incorrectness of making a particular inference, rather than the assumption itself.

we must not suppose

Emphasizes the necessity of avoiding a particular supposition, shifting from a statement of possibility to a call for action.

it's not safe to postulate

Highlights the risk associated with postulating or assuming something without proper evidence.

it is risky to conclude

Suggests that drawing a conclusion prematurely, without sufficient data, carries inherent risks.

the belief is unfounded

Directly states that a particular belief lacks a solid foundation or basis in fact.

the premise is questionable

Indicates that the underlying premise or assumption is uncertain or dubious.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it cannot be assumed" to sound more confident?

Consider using phrases like "it is unlikely that", "it is doubtful that", or "evidence suggests otherwise" to convey a stronger sense of certainty while still acknowledging the initial assumption.

What's the difference between "it cannot be assumed" and "it cannot be proven"?

"It cannot be "assumed"" indicates a lack of justification for a belief, while "it cannot be proven" suggests an inability to demonstrate the truth of a statement with available evidence. The former deals with assumptions, the latter with proof.

When is it appropriate to use "it cannot be assumed" in academic writing?

Use "it cannot be "assumed"" when challenging a commonly held belief or a premise that lacks sufficient support in your field of study. Always provide your reasoning and evidence.

What are some common synonyms for "it cannot be assumed"?

Synonyms include "it should not be taken for granted", "one cannot presume", and "it is not necessarily the case". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.