negative assumptions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "negative assumptions" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to beliefs or ideas that are based on negativity or pessimism. Example: "We need to address the negative assumptions that people have about our company. Many believe that we are not innovative enough, but we have proved them wrong with our latest product launch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are all these negative assumptions.

The Guardian

Unconscious bias and negative assumptions are working against them.

Harvard Business Review

What women alone appear to encounter is a powerful set of negative assumptions associated with motherhood.

The New York Times - Magazine

It provides a lot of the raw material that feeds their negative assumptions about politicians.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Because of her negative assumptions, she was convinced that she would be unlucky," Fallon said.

The New Yorker

At first, he held fast to his negative assumptions about how leaders saw him.

Harvard Business Review

Barriers include negative assumptions about the chironomids and politicization of the nuisance issue.

Cornell University

In learning to become a good manager, Julie first needed to change her negative assumptions about leadership.

Harvard Business Review

And negative assumptions about parents who deprive their child of siblings strengthen the general opprobrium against only children.

The New York Times

The symposium began with a panel that focused on weight stigma and negative assumptions made about large-bodied people.

Harvard University

Maytree's support was clearly crucial in saving Robinson's life: listening without judgment, challenging negative assumptions and helping to create optimism for the future.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encountering or identifying "negative assumptions", question their validity and encourage critical thinking to explore alternative perspectives and possibilities.

Common error

Avoid basing broad conclusions on isolated incidents or personal experiences. "Negative assumptions" often arise from limited exposure or biased information, leading to inaccurate and unfair judgments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negative assumptions" functions as a noun phrase, where "negative" modifies the noun "assumptions". It commonly identifies preconceived notions or beliefs that are unfavorable or pessimistic. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

24%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Science

9%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "negative assumptions" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe unfavorable or pessimistic preconceived notions. According to Ludwig, its function is primarily to identify and critique biased beliefs across a variety of contexts, including news, business, and academia. While the phrase maintains a neutral to professional tone, its presence across various reputable sources such as The Guardian, Harvard Business Review, and The New York Times underscores its widespread usage and relevance. Countering "negative assumptions" often requires providing specific evidence and encouraging critical thinking to foster more accurate and fair judgments. Alternatives like "pessimistic outlook" or "biased preconceptions" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pessimistic outlook

Focuses specifically on the pessimistic nature of the assumptions.

unfavorable presumptions

Emphasizes the unfavorable or disadvantageous nature of the assumptions.

biased preconceptions

Highlights the presence of bias influencing the initial assumptions.

cynical expectations

Implies a level of distrust or skepticism in the anticipated outcome.

skeptical anticipations

Focuses on a lack of certainty or confidence in what will happen.

doubtful expectations

Highlights uncertainty and a lack of confidence in the assumed outcome.

preconceived prejudices

Strongly emphasizes pre-formed, often unfair, judgments.

unfounded reservations

Focuses on the lack of basis or justification for the assumptions.

adverse expectations

Stresses the negative or harmful outcomes that are anticipated.

ill-founded presumptions

Highlights the lack of factual support for the assumptions.

FAQs

What are some examples of "negative assumptions" in the workplace?

Examples include assuming a younger employee lacks experience, or that a parent is less committed to their career. These assumptions can lead to biases in hiring and promotion.

How do I challenge "negative assumptions" about a group of people?

Provide accurate information and diverse perspectives to counter stereotypes. Encourage personal interactions and storytelling to humanize the group and break down prejudices.

What can I say instead of "negative assumptions"?

You can use alternatives like "pessimistic outlook", "unfavorable presumptions", or "biased preconceptions" depending on the context.

How can "negative assumptions" affect decision-making?

They can lead to biased evaluations, unfair judgments, and missed opportunities. It's crucial to be aware of and actively challenge these assumptions to make more informed decisions.