it is naive to assume

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is naive to assume" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that a particular assumption is overly simplistic or lacks a deeper understanding of the situation. Example: "While many believe that technology will solve all our problems, it is naive to assume that it will address the underlying social issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But it is naive to assume that conflict and tragedy will disappear if young people use technology less.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is naive to assume that the millions paid annually in ransom to pirates merely enables them to purchase villas and fancy automobiles.

The Washington Post

It is naive to assume that she or we must be compassionate, that the character must move us, that she is just too distancing.

The New York Times

With so many competing factors it is naive to assume that scientific evidence, where it even exists, trumps all else when the final decisions are made.

The Guardian

I don't think we will ever go completely digital, but I think it is naive to assume the academia can remain the same and not see the value added through digital platforms of communication through wide participation and engagement.

The Guardian

Then as now, it is naive to assume that Chinese consumers will buy what you make just because it is cheap, and foolish to treat the vast country with its differences in income, climate and tastes as a single, giant market.On reading Paul French's book, "Carl Crow", however, it becomes clear that the Missouri-born entrepreneur's life is at least as instructive and engaging as his books.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Perhaps it's naive to assume that talent is converted into on-set currency.

The Guardian - Film

But it's naive to assume that this fundamentalist, Islamist worldview rose up out of nowhere.

The New York Times

It's naive to assume that one has scored a decisive point against populists by pointing out that they themselves are not exactly commoners.

Princeton University

It's naive to assume that because they appeared to be picking up things that were freely available, that was all they were doing".

The Guardian

I guess it was naive to assume that we could operate differently, and find a significant paying audience for a longer run.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is naive to assume" to gently point out flawed reasoning without directly attacking someone's intelligence. It's a diplomatic way to introduce a more nuanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "it is naive to assume" excessively in heated debates, as it can come across as condescending or dismissive. Reserve it for situations where you genuinely want to offer constructive criticism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is naive to assume" functions as a sentence opener or transitional phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it introduces a statement that challenges a common or pre-existing belief, suggesting the belief is overly simplistic or lacks adequate consideration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is naive to assume" is a versatile phrase for expressing disagreement or offering a more realistic perspective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in reputable sources. While the phrase can be helpful in pointing out flawed reasoning, avoid overusing it in argumentative settings to prevent sounding condescending. The phrase is commonly found in neutral to formal registers, particularly in news and media, as well as in scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's unrealistic to think

Replaces "naive" with "unrealistic" and "assume" with "think", focusing on the impracticality of the belief.

it is shortsighted to believe

Emphasizes the lack of foresight in holding the belief, using "shortsighted" instead of "naive" and "believe" instead of "assume".

it's overly simplistic to believe

Highlights the oversimplified nature of the assumption, swapping "naive" with "overly simplistic" and "assume" with "believe".

it's a fallacy to presume

Uses "fallacy" to point out the flawed reasoning behind the assumption and replaces "assume" with "presume".

one would be wrong to suppose

Shifts the perspective to warn against a particular supposition, using "wrong" instead of "naive" and "suppose" instead of "assume".

it would be misguided to think

Indicates that holding a particular thought would be an error in judgment, replacing "naive" with "misguided" and "assume" with "think".

it's a mistake to conclude

Focuses on the erroneous nature of the conclusion, using "mistake" instead of "naive" and "conclude" instead of "assume".

it's foolish to expect

Replaces "naive" with "foolish" and "assume" with "expect", highlighting the imprudence of the expectation.

it's imprudent to imagine

Uses "imprudent" to underscore the lack of wisdom in the imagined scenario and replaces "assume" with "imagine".

it betrays a lack of understanding to think

Emphasizes that holding a specific thought reveals a misunderstanding, with a more elaborate structure than the original phrase.

FAQs

What does "it is naive to assume" mean?

The phrase "it is naive to assume" means that a particular assumption is simplistic, lacks a deeper understanding, or overlooks important factors. It suggests the assumption is not well-reasoned or practical.

How can I use "it is naive to assume" in a sentence?

You can use "it is naive to assume" to introduce a counter-argument or to highlight the flaws in someone's reasoning. For example, "While many believe technology will solve all problems, "it is naive to assume" that technology will address underlying social issues."

What are some alternatives to "it is naive to assume"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "it's unrealistic to think", "it is shortsighted to believe", or "it's overly simplistic to believe", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "it is naive to assume" or "it would be naive to assume"?

Both "it is naive to assume" and "it would be naive to assume" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the context. "It is naive to assume" states a general truth or observation, while "it would be naive to assume" is often used to introduce a hypothetical scenario or conditional statement.