most reasonable assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most reasonable assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a conclusion or inference that seems logical based on the available evidence or context. Example: "Given the data we have collected, the most reasonable assumption is that the project will be completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Until we get more information, the most reasonable assumption is that Barr is trying to protect Trump by hiding the full report.

The New York Times

The multi-view framework allows object alignment under the most reasonable assumption that each new range image must possess an overlap with respect to any other previously aligned range data, thus weakening the requirement of having an overlap between each sequential pair of range images.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Although it is possible that the relationship between storage duration and PON1 activity may not be linear, it was the most reasonable assumption to use with only two time points available.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

However, using the best available data and most reasonable assumptions, we obtained the best possible estimates for the measures of interest.

British Journal of Cancer

While our model does to some extent simplify the manner in which deleterious mutations mechanistically arise and are removed from the influenza viral population, we make the most biologically reasonable assumptions possible given this simplification.

eLife

In our experience, it is most often a reasonable assumption in the case of circulating HIV virus and this could be checked from residuals [ 20, 30].

BMC Medical Research Methodology

However, this program remains the only experimentally studied alcohol intervention in our population of interest, and therefore is arguably the most reasonable base case assumption.

Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research

Within Casual Encounters, the most traditional of the categories — men seeking women — seems to raise the most tantalizing questions, given the reasonable assumption that most women (and even a few men) would prefer earnest courtship to a quickie with a stranger, no strings attached.

The New York Times

Lastly, let's also make the very reasonable assumption that most migrant workers (i.e. the most consistent remitters) don't care about cryptocurrency or the blockchain or the coming financial revolution, but will naturally go to a service if it saves them money.

TechCrunch

It is a reasonable assumption that most of those who crashed the site were computer literate and able to read maps.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their first instinct was to challenge all questionable overseas ballots on the reasonable assumption that most of them were Mr. Bush's.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "most reasonable assumption" to introduce a conclusion reached after evaluating multiple possibilities based on available evidence.

Common error

Avoid presenting the "most reasonable assumption" as an absolute fact. Acknowledge that it is still an assumption and may be subject to change with new information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most reasonable assumption" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies or describes an idea that is considered the most logical or justifiable based on available information. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most reasonable assumption" is a noun phrase used to present a premise or conclusion that is logically sound and well-supported but not definitively proven. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in English. It is primarily found in science and news media contexts and serves to guide decision-making in the face of uncertainty. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's important to avoid overstating the certainty of an assumption and to acknowledge that it may be subject to change with new information. Alternatives include "most logical assumption" and "most plausible assumption".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most logical assumption

Replaces "reasonable" with "logical", emphasizing the clarity and coherence of the assumption.

most plausible assumption

Substitutes "reasonable" with "plausible", highlighting the believability and credibility of the assumption.

most likely assumption

Focuses on the probability of the assumption being correct.

best justified assumption

Emphasizes the support and evidence behind the assumption.

most rational assumption

Highlights the assumption's basis in reason and sound judgment.

most sensible assumption

Replaces "reasonable" with "sensible", focusing on practicality and common sense.

most credible assumption

Highlights the trustworthiness and reliability of the assumption.

most well-founded assumption

Emphasizes that the assumption is based on a solid foundation of facts or evidence.

most valid assumption

Focuses on the logical correctness and soundness of the assumption.

most supportable assumption

Emphasizes the availability of evidence and arguments to back up the assumption.

FAQs

How can I use "most reasonable assumption" in a sentence?

Use "most reasonable assumption" to introduce a premise or conclusion that is logical and well-supported by available information, but not necessarily definitively proven. For example, "Given the data, the "most reasonable assumption" is that sales will increase next quarter."

What are some alternatives to "most reasonable assumption"?

You can use alternatives like "most logical assumption", "most plausible assumption", or "most likely assumption" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "most reasonable assumption"?

It's appropriate to use "most reasonable assumption" when you've considered various possibilities and determined that one option is the most likely or logical based on the information at hand. It is often used in contexts where certainty is not possible, but a well-informed inference can be made.

What does it mean to make a "most reasonable assumption"?

Making a "most reasonable assumption" means forming a belief or premise based on the available evidence and logical reasoning, even in the absence of complete certainty. It implies that you have weighed different options and selected the one that appears to be the most valid and justifiable.