naive assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

"naive assumption" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you wish to point out that a belief or opinion is simplistic or unsophisticated. For example, "John's naive assumption that he could easily solve the problem was incorrect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

What a naive assumption that you can leave everything to the market.

The Guardian - Opinion

Till then, I'll continue under the naive assumption that people have problems.

Independent

However, he took pleasure in her noticing him &in her naive assumption of good in the world.

The New Yorker

So the naive assumption might be that the early universe must have contained equal amounts of matter and antimatter.

The Economist

Don't fall, either, for the naive assumption that Islamist anti-Semitism is in some sense the by-product of the Israeli occupation.

Independent

Such thinking is in part a consequence of the naive assumption that alphabetic literacy is a matter simply of decoding graphs into sounds and vice versa.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

How the biochemical and psychological points of view fit together is clearly puzzling, and, as your aside on free will suggests, our naive assumptions about human freedom are almost certainly false.

The Guardian

Why can't sex and love go absolutely hand in hand, as they should?" In order to answer his important questions, we have to start by shattering the disturbingly naive assumptions behind them.

The Guardian - Opinion

8. Bridgman's empiricist caution was inspired by the success of Einstein's special relativity theory, which exposed the naive assumptions behind classical, substantivist conceptions of space and time and replaced them with operational concepts.

SEP

If one could give planners the opportunity to employ dynamic entities without having to change their usual workflow, one of the benefits would be that they are not being forced to resort to naive assumptions (e.g. 15 seconds per floor) that are still commonplace in today's planning practice.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

David Keith from the University of Calgary, one of the leading lights in the field, told me this: "I don't see any strong implications for solar geo-engineering, [but] it may help to dispel naive assumptions that solar geo-engineering would be an all or nothing affair.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "naive assumption", clearly articulate why the assumption is flawed or unrealistic to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "naive assumption" in contexts where the assumption is simply incorrect but not necessarily unsophisticated. Consider using stronger terms like "incorrect assumption" or "false premise" if the flaw isn't about simplicity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "naive assumption" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies an idea or belief that is characterized by simplicity and a lack of sophistication. As Ludwig AI explains, it points out a belief that is simplistic.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "naive assumption" is a commonly used noun phrase to critique a belief or idea as overly simplistic. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is correct and usable in written English, generally carrying a negative connotation. Examples show its prevalent use in news and media, scientific literature, and encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, ensure that the assumption is indeed unsophisticated, not just incorrect, for the most impactful communication. Related alternatives include "simplistic belief" and "unrealistic expectation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simplistic belief

Focuses on the oversimplified nature of the belief.

unrealistic expectation

Highlights the impracticality of what is being assumed.

unfounded presumption

Emphasizes the lack of evidence supporting the assumption.

overly optimistic view

Suggests the assumption is based on excessive hopefulness.

misguided notion

Points out that the assumption is based on faulty reasoning.

innocent belief

Highlights the lack of sophistication or awareness in the belief.

uninformed opinion

Stresses the lack of knowledge behind the assumption.

groundless expectation

Emphasizes the absence of justification for the expectation.

childlike faith

Suggests the assumption is based on a trusting, unsophisticated perspective.

untried conviction

The belief is untested and potentially flawed.

FAQs

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

You can use "naive assumption" to point out a belief or opinion that is overly simplistic or unsophisticated. For example: "It's a "naive assumption" to think that all politicians are corrupt."

What are some alternatives to "naive assumption"?

Alternatives to "naive assumption" include "simplistic belief", "unrealistic expectation", or "unfounded presumption" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to describe something as a "naive assumption"?

Yes, describing something as a "naive assumption" typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the belief is flawed due to its oversimplified nature. However, the term can also be used to acknowledge a starting point that needs refinement with additional information.

What's the difference between a "naive assumption" and a "false assumption"?

A "naive assumption" is typically an oversimplified or unsophisticated belief, while a "false assumption" is simply an incorrect belief, regardless of its complexity. A "false assumption" may be based on complex reasoning that turns out to be wrong.