let's assume

USAGE SUMMARY

"let's assume" is an appropriate phrase to use in written English
You can use it when you want to agree with an idea, especially one that may not be proven but is assumed to be true. Example: Let's assume that the package will arrive by Wednesday.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Let's assume mating is not random.

The Guardian

"Let's assume there is a market event.

Forbes

Let's assume that's true.

The New York Times

I do, but let's assume it's not.

The New York Times

Arguendo, let's assume it's George W. Bush.

The New York Times

But let's assume she's not a thoughtful person.

The New York Times - Magazine

But, again, let's assume that's what it was.

The Washington Post

Let's assume it's not.

Forbes

So let's assume it's €1 million then.

TechCrunch

Let's assume that there's lots of people.

Yale University

"Let's assume that it's a rerun," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow the phrase with a clear, specific scenario to prevent the reader from getting lost in vague hypotheticals.

Common error

Avoid using "let's assume" when introducing information that is already widely proven or accepted as fact. Doing so can undermine your credibility by making certainties appear speculative. Reserved this phrase specifically for variables, unknowns and creative scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let's assume" acts as a hortative imperative, combining the first-person plural contraction "let's" with a base verb to propose a shared intellectual task. According to Ludwig, it serves as a framing device that signals the beginning of a deductive process or a thought experiment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

3%

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis of the query "let's assume" reveals it as a vital tool for writers seeking to construct logical arguments or explore complex scenarios. Ludwig AI demonstrates that the phrase is favored by top-tier publications and prestigious academic institutions because it cleanly separates established fact from necessary supposition. By using "let's assume", you effectively invite your audience into a controlled logical environment where they can follow your reasoning without getting distracted by the validity of the starting point. Whether you are writing for The New York Times or preparing a lecture for Academia, this phrase remains one of the most efficient ways to drive a narrative forward through hypothetical inquiry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let's suppose

Shifts the focus toward a theoretical or mathematical premise, often used in formal logic.

let's say

Offers a more conversational and informal way to introduce a random example or number.

let's imagine

Encourages a more visual or narrative approach to a hypothetical situation.

let's presume

Suggests that the assumption is based on some degree of evidence or high probability.

for the sake of argument

Explicitly states that the premise is being accepted only to advance the current debate.

let's postulate

Highly formal, typically used in scientific, mathematical or philosophical contexts.

assuming that

Functions as a subordinating conjunction rather than an imperative command to the reader.

let's consider the possibility that

More cautious and tentative, inviting a broader exploration of the idea.

granting that

Often used when conceding a point temporarily to build a counter-argument.

if we take for granted that

Emphasizes the lack of proof while establishing the baseline for the next point.

FAQs

How do I use "let's assume" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a hypothetical condition. For example: "let's assume that the market stabilizes by next year."

What is the difference between "let's assume" and "let's say"?

While both introduce hypotheticals, "<a href="/s/let's+say" target="_blank" rel="alternative">let's say" is more casual and often used for picking arbitrary numbers, whereas "let's assume" is more formal and analytical.

Is "let's assume" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, it is widely used in academic contexts to build models or logical proofs, as seen in lectures from <a href="/s/Yale+University" target="_blank" rel="alternative">Yale University and scientific journals.

What can I say instead of "let's assume" to sound more formal?

You can use more rigorous alternatives like "<a href="/s/let's+postulate" target="_blank" rel="alternative">let's postulate" or "<a href="/s/let's+presume" target="_blank" rel="alternative">let's presume" depending on the context.