it is likely to assume

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is likely to assume" is not correct in standard written English.
A more appropriate phrase would be "it is likely that one can assume." Example: "Given the evidence presented, it is likely that one can assume the hypothesis is valid."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

We have no specific information on what the GPs and/or neurologists have done, but it is likely to assume that unsatisfactory pharmacological treatment lead to higher use of CAM.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Since enrollment of the PREEMPT 1 and 2 required that prophylactic medication was not taken 28 days prior to the baseline data collection, it is likely to assume that those enrolled had none or only a modest effect of previous tried prophylactic medications.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

However, since only chlorine is gaseous and the oxidant must have left the liquid to reach the KI-starch paper, it is likely to assume the presence of chlorine (Cl2) in this system.

Plosone

Therefore it is likely to assume that intervention at the blood brain barrier is time dependent and could result in different therapeutic outcomes depending on the phase of CNS lesion development.

Plosone

Therefore, it is likely to assume that possible ADEs are more easily missed.

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

Therefore, it is likely to assume that more contact site regulators exist and have yet to be found.

Cell Reports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Somebody looking at one of these new Evans prints is likely to assume it is by Evans, which it is of course only up to a point.

The New York Times - Arts

He is likely to assume his new command in June and is to replace Gen. Dan K. McNeill.

The New York Times

He is likely to assume the role of critic — unlike Hatch, who was a Trump ally.

The Washington Post

Ms. Gotbaum is likely to assume the post because she faces only nominal competition in the general election.

The New York Times

At either level, Facebook's price is likely to assume a growth rate that few companies have managed to sustain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "it is likely to assume". Instead, opt for clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives such as "it is reasonable to assume" or "one can reasonably infer" for better clarity and impact.

Common error

A common error is using "assume" directly after indicating likelihood. Instead of saying "it is likely to assume", clarify the subject of the assumption. For example, rephrase as "it is likely that one can assume..." or use a more direct alternative like "it is reasonable to assume..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is likely to assume" functions as an introductory clause intended to express a probable conclusion or inference. However, its grammatical structure is questionable, as noted by Ludwig AI, leading to awkward phrasing. It's generally used to preface a statement that is being presented as a reasonable assumption.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "it is likely to assume" appears in various contexts, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically questionable. Its purpose is to introduce an inference or prediction, but its structure is often awkward. As such, it's advisable to use clearer, more grammatically sound alternatives like "it is reasonable to assume" or "one can reasonably infer", especially in formal or professional writing. This ensures better clarity and strengthens the impact of your message. This phrase occurs mostly in scientific papers and news media articles. Considering its grammatical status and the available alternatives, it's best to exercise caution and opt for more precise phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is reasonable to assume

This alternative replaces "likely to" with "reasonable to", resulting in a more standard and accepted phrasing for expressing an assumption.

it is probable to conclude

This option substitutes "likely to assume" with "probable to conclude", offering a stronger sense of likelihood and a more formal tone.

one can reasonably infer

This alternative phrase uses "reasonably infer" instead of "likely to assume", providing a more direct and active voice for making an inference.

it seems safe to assume

This phrase replaces "likely to" with "seems safe to", implying a degree of certainty or confidence in making the assumption.

it is logical to assume

Using "logical to assume" in place of "likely to assume" emphasizes the rational basis for the assumption.

one might rightly assume

This alternative uses "rightly assume" instead of "likely to assume", suggesting that the assumption is justified or correct.

it is fair to assume

This option replaces "likely to" with "fair to", implying that the assumption is reasonable and unbiased.

it is a reasonable assumption

This changes the structure to focus on the assumption itself being reasonable, rather than the likelihood of assuming.

we can safely presume

This substitutes the entire phrase with "safely presume", suggesting a confident and secure assumption.

it would be reasonable to expect

This alternative broadens the statement to include expectation alongside assumption, changing the context slightly.

FAQs

What is wrong with the phrase "it is likely to assume"?

The phrase "it is likely to assume" is grammatically awkward. It's better to say "it is likely that someone will assume" or rephrase it using alternatives like "it is reasonable to assume".

What can I say instead of "it is likely to assume"?

You can use alternatives like "it is reasonable to assume", "one can reasonably infer", or "it seems safe to assume" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it is likely to assume" or "it is likely that one can assume"?

"It is likely that one can assume" is grammatically more correct than "it is likely to assume". The first clarifies the subject making the assumption. Even better is using a rephrased version like "it is reasonable to assume".

What's the difference between "it is likely to assume" and "it is reasonable to assume"?

"It is reasonable to assume" is a grammatically correct and more widely accepted phrase. "It is likely to assume" is considered awkward. Therefore, "it is reasonable to assume" is the preferred choice.