leaping to conclusions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leaping to conclusions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone makes a judgment or assumption without having all the necessary information. Example: "Before we discuss the results, let's avoid leaping to conclusions about the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Andy, instead of leaping to conclusions … read the referenced study.

Harvard University

Dev mumbled something about not leaping to conclusions.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This ignorance will not stop anyone from leaping to conclusions.

The Guardian - Opinion

That simply emphasises the dangers of leaping to conclusions.

The Guardian - Sport

"From the first few pages, it's insinuation and leaping to conclusions.

The New York Times

Mr. Vaughan said he thought that it was Ms. Chaney who was leaping to conclusions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Humans leap to conclusions.

Britannica

Naturally, people leapt to conclusions.

The New York Times

They leap to conclusions that logic cannot reach".

The Guardian - Arts

"We should not leap to conclusions before conducting an investigation".

The New York Times

It was still too early to leap to conclusions, he said.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before drawing conclusions, gather sufficient evidence and consider multiple perspectives to avoid errors in judgment.

Common error

Avoid the common error of assuming that because two things are related, one causes the other. Investigate potential confounding variables before "leaping to conclusions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leaping to conclusions" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used to describe the act of making hasty or premature judgments without sufficient evidence. Ludwig's examples show its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leaping to conclusions" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic phrase used to describe the act of forming judgments or assumptions without sufficient evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It's frequently found in news and media, and academic contexts. To avoid this pitfall, it's best practice to gather adequate information and consider diverse perspectives before making a judgment. Alternatives include "jumping to conclusions" and "drawing hasty inferences". Be cautious of assuming correlation equals causation. Overall, understanding the meaning and proper usage of this phrase enhances communication and critical thinking skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jumping to conclusions

This is the most direct synonym, implying a hasty decision based on insufficient evidence, similar to the original phrase.

drawing hasty inferences

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the process of inferring something quickly without enough data.

making snap judgments

This phrase highlights the speed and impulsiveness of the decision-making process.

reaching premature decisions

This option focuses on the timing of the decision, suggesting it was made too early.

forming unfounded opinions

This emphasizes that the opinions lack a solid basis or factual support.

taking things for granted

This suggests that assumptions are made without questioning or verifying them.

assuming without proof

This phrase directly addresses the lack of evidence supporting the assumption.

making assumptions

A general term for taking something as true without proof, encompassing various contexts where assumptions are made.

acting presumptuously

This option emphasizes the arrogance or boldness of making a judgment without sufficient knowledge.

being too quick to judge

This phrase focuses on the speed of judgment and a tendency to be critical or judgmental.

FAQs

What does it mean to "leap to conclusions"?

To "leap to conclusions" means to make a judgment or assumption about something without having enough information or evidence.

What can I say instead of "leaping to conclusions"?

You can use alternatives like "jumping to conclusions", "drawing hasty inferences", or "making snap judgments" depending on the context.

Is it ever good to "leap to conclusions"?

Generally, "leaping to conclusions" is not advisable as it can lead to errors and misunderstandings. It's better to gather sufficient evidence before making a judgment.

How can I avoid "leaping to conclusions"?

To avoid "leaping to conclusions", practice critical thinking, gather all relevant facts, consider different viewpoints, and be open to changing your opinion based on new information.