may be assumed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be assumed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is likely to be accepted as true or valid without direct evidence. Example: "In this analysis, it may be assumed that all variables are independent of each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It may be assumed that much of Cambara's nostalgia, shock and alienation are his own.

The New York Times - Books

It may be assumed, further, that this oral literature developed the genres of the core literature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A world may be assumed in which there is only one object a.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It may be assumed that with this stroke Elam once again gained independence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It may be assumed that the word is not now in use as an aboriginal word.

The New York Times

It may be assumed that O'Keeffe also wanted to keep a certain distance between herself and the Taos art colony.

The New Yorker

This stature is reflected not so much in the costliest wines, where excellence may be assumed, but at lower levels.

The New York Times

So it may be assumed that Mexicans must be pretty desperate to have brought the bums back so soon.

The New Yorker

But on the watch list, you may be assumed guilty, even after the court dismisses your case".

The New York Times

Some of the Mughal portraits of Persian noblemen may be assumed to be the work of Bishandas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gloom at the world's petrol pumps, it may be assumed, can only mean hand-rubbing glee for their biggest supplier.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be assumed" when you have some basis for a claim, but lack definitive proof. It signals a reasonable inference rather than a definitive fact. For stronger claims, consider using phrases like "is proven" or "is known".

Common error

Avoid using "may be assumed" when the assumption is highly speculative or lacks any supporting evidence. Overusing this phrase can weaken your argument by presenting unsubstantiated claims as reasonable inferences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be assumed" functions as an epistemic modal expression, indicating a level of possibility or likelihood rather than absolute certainty. As Ludwig AI points out, it suggests something can be accepted as true, though without definitive proof. It allows for tentative assertions and inferences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be assumed" is a versatile tool for expressing likelihood or reasonable inference, as supported by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in scientific and formal writing. While "may be assumed" signals a degree of uncertainty, it's crucial to ensure the assumption has some basis in evidence to avoid weakening your argument. Related phrases, such as "can be presumed" or "might be inferred", offer alternative ways to express similar ideas with subtle differences in emphasis. When writing, remember to reserve "may be assumed" for reasonable inferences and avoid overstating claims.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be presumed

Replaces "may be" with "can be", suggesting a slightly stronger degree of certainty.

might be inferred

Substitutes "assumed" with "inferred", emphasizing the drawing of a conclusion from evidence.

could be deduced

Uses "deduced" instead of "assumed", implying a logical conclusion based on given facts.

is reasonable to suppose

Rephrases as an action that is reasonable, focusing on the justification for the assumption.

it is plausible that

Introduces the idea as plausible, indicating a reasonable possibility.

one can infer

Shifts the focus to the act of inferring, making it more active.

it stands to reason that

Emphasizes the logical basis for the assumption, suggesting it's a natural conclusion.

it is safe to say

Indicates a low risk of being wrong in making the assumption.

we can take it for granted

Suggests accepting something as true without questioning it.

it is understood that

Implies a common agreement or implicit understanding of something.

FAQs

How can I use "may be assumed" in a sentence?

"May be assumed" introduces a premise or condition accepted as true without concrete proof for the sake of argument or analysis. For example: "It "may be assumed" that the data is normally distributed for this statistical test."

What phrases are similar to "may be assumed"?

Alternatives include "can be presumed", "might be inferred", "could be deduced", or "it is reasonable to suppose". The best choice depends on the degree of certainty and the context.

Is it better to use "may be assumed" or "is assumed"?

"May be assumed" suggests a degree of uncertainty or tentativeness, while "is assumed" presents the assumption as a more definite starting point. Use "may be assumed" when you want to acknowledge that the assumption is not definitively proven.

When is it inappropriate to use "may be assumed"?

Avoid using "may be assumed" when presenting well-established facts or when the assumption is purely speculative without any supporting evidence. In such cases, stronger language or explicit justification is more appropriate.