just a supposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just a supposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something is merely an assumption or hypothesis, not a certainty. Example: "This is just a supposition, and further evidence is needed to confirm the theory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This isn't just a supposition, Gingrich told an audience of South Carolina Tea Partiers last week, but a "mathematical fact".

The New York Times

In terms of hardware, it supposedly packs an OLED screen that's at least on par with the DK2 version of Oculus Rift, and that's about all that's known for sure – the connection to devices is suspected to be wired, but that's just a supposition based on the kind of bandwidth needed to provide a good VR experience.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Perhaps, and this is only a supposition, drivers would be easier to train than deer.

The New York Times - Travel

But that's a supposition out of whole cloth, and one full of wishful thinking".

The New York Times

So you can't really know what Putin's cut is, but you can make a supposition.

The New Yorker

First, the opponents of ID tend to describe evolution as well supported, while ID's proponents are more likely to discuss limitations of evolution and to describe it as a guess or supposition because it is "just a theory" (Davis and Kenyon 1993; Humes 2007; Intelligent Design 2008; Johnson 2006; Scott 2004).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

It seems plausible, but Liu's colleague Zhi-Xi Wu at Lanzhou admits it is still a supposition.

BBC

Medicine should be based on evidence and not just on supposition.

The New York Times

I should note that this is just my supposition, based on how the opinions in that case were structured.

The New York Times

The Alzheimer's hypothesis "is a supposition," said Dr. Deborah Grady, who directs the University of California San Francisco/Mount Zion Women's Health Clinical Research Center.

The New York Times

However, recent investigations suggests this might be a supposition too far.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just a supposition" to clearly indicate when you are presenting an idea that is not yet supported by concrete evidence. This manages expectations and encourages further inquiry.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "just a supposition" as a definitive truth or conclusion. Doing so undermines your credibility and can mislead your audience. Always frame it as a possibility needing further examination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just a supposition" functions as a qualifier, modifying a statement to indicate that it's based on assumption rather than concrete evidence. It serves to temper the assertion and signal that further investigation is required. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just a supposition" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce an idea that is based on assumption rather than solid evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While its frequency is uncommon, its usage spans across various contexts, including news and media and scientific discussions. When using this phrase, ensure that you frame it as a possibility needing further examination to avoid misleading your audience. Alternative phrases such as "merely a hypothesis" or "simply an assumption" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely a hypothesis

Emphasizes the tentative nature of the idea as a formal hypothesis.

simply an assumption

Highlights the lack of proof, focusing on the act of assuming.

purely speculative

Indicates the idea is based on conjecture rather than evidence.

largely conjectural

Similar to speculative, but possibly based on limited information.

a tentative theory

Positions the idea as a developing theory that requires further validation.

a working hypothesis

Implies the idea is being used as a starting point for investigation.

a provisional assessment

Suggests a preliminary judgment subject to change.

a preliminary conclusion

Similar to provisional assessment, but more focused on reaching a decision.

a rough estimate

Emphasizes the imprecise nature of the idea as an approximation.

a tentative explanation

Presents the idea as a possible reason or cause, without certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "just a supposition" in a sentence?

You can use "just a supposition" to introduce a statement that is based on assumption rather than solid evidence. For example: "That's "just a supposition", we need more facts to prove it."

What are some alternatives to "just a supposition"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "merely a hypothesis", "simply an assumption", or "purely speculative", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "just a supposition" in formal writing?

Yes, it's acceptable in formal writing, but be sure to use it judiciously. Clearly indicate that it's an assumption and not a confirmed fact. Alternatives like "a tentative theory" or "a working hypothesis" might be more suitable in some academic contexts.

What's the difference between "just a supposition" and "a theory"?

"Just a supposition" implies a preliminary idea without substantial evidence. A "theory", even if still developing, typically has some supporting evidence and a more structured framework.