mistaken assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mistaken assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a belief or idea that is incorrect or based on a misunderstanding. Example: "The project's failure was due to a mistaken assumption about the market demand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that's a mistaken assumption.

The New Yorker

But Rennie said that was a mistaken assumption.

The Guardian

Carrie felt very guilty for her mistaken assumption about Galvez.

The New York Times

The former president insists this is based on a mistaken assumption.

The Guardian

Another mistaken assumption, Mr. Kultgen said, is that he shares qualities with his creations.

The New York Times

Beth Buelow's book addresses the mistaken assumption that "entrepreneurial success belongs to extroverts".

Independent

They may, however, be operating under the mistaken assumption that this risk is much greater in Africa than elsewhere.

The Washington Post

Some doctors speculate that patients may have stayed away on the mistaken assumption that the hospitals were swamped.

The New York Times

On the mistaken assumption that I already knew plenty about it, I ignored Jazz for a decade.

The Guardian - Opinion

That was the mistaken assumption made by the Today programme, which asked Linehan if he had "changed it much".

The Guardian

Nowadays, there is a mistaken assumption that all sorts of current art works belong under the banner of conceptual art.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mistaken assumption", clearly state what the assumption is and explain why it's incorrect to avoid ambiguity. For example: "The plan failed due to the mistaken assumption that all users had high-speed internet access."

Common error

Avoid using "mistaken assumption" without providing context or evidence to support the claim that the assumption is indeed incorrect. Failing to do so can weaken your argument and confuse your readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mistaken assumption" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies an incorrect belief or premise. Ludwig AI examples show it being used to pinpoint flaws in reasoning or planning. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

20%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mistaken assumption" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression for identifying and addressing incorrect beliefs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and practical term found frequently in news, academic, and business contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify the assumption and explain why it's wrong. Consider alternatives like "false premise" or "erroneous belief" to fine-tune your message, always aiming for precision and avoiding assumptions that everyone shares your understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

false premise

Focuses on the incorrect foundation upon which an argument or conclusion is built.

incorrect presupposition

Emphasizes the idea of something being assumed beforehand without proper justification.

erroneous belief

Highlights the incorrectness of the belief itself.

invalid premise

Indicates that the starting point for reasoning is flawed and unreliable.

flawed assumption

Highlights the presence of defects or imperfections in the assumed idea.

unfounded supposition

Implies that the assumption lacks a solid basis or evidence.

misconceived notion

Suggests that the idea is based on a misunderstanding or faulty perception.

unjustified inference

Focuses on the lack of valid reasoning connecting the assumption to any supporting evidence.

fallacious inference

Emphasizes the deceptiveness or misleading nature of the incorrect inference.

deceptive assumption

Suggests the assumption is intentionally misleading or causes confusion.

FAQs

How can I use "mistaken assumption" in a sentence?

You can use "mistaken assumption" to point out an incorrect belief that someone holds. For example: "Their strategy was based on the mistaken assumption that the competition would remain passive."

What are some alternatives to "mistaken assumption"?

You can use alternatives like "false premise", "incorrect presupposition", or "erroneous belief" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "mistaken assumption" and "hypothesis"?

A hypothesis is a testable explanation for a phenomenon, while a "mistaken assumption" is a belief taken as true without sufficient evidence and subsequently proven wrong. A hypothesis is proposed, while a "mistaken assumption" is often realized in retrospect.

Is it better to say "incorrect assumption" or "mistaken assumption"?

Both "incorrect assumption" and "mistaken assumption" are acceptable. "Mistaken assumption" might subtly imply a genuine error in judgment, while "incorrect assumption" is a more neutral declaration of factual inaccuracy. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.