never assume

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "never assume" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to warn someone against making assumptions without knowing all the facts. For example, "Never assume that just because someone looks happy, they don't have problems of their own."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can never assume anything".

The New York Times

Never assume anything about names.

The New Yorker

"Never assume behavior is random," he said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Never assume users think like you.

The Guardian

Never assume that history is over.

The New York Times - Arts

And you should never assume in art".

The Guardian

Never assume they are exactly like you.

The Guardian

Never assume physical safety, even in a swipe-access location.

Columbia University

"And we never assume it's a crime scenario.

The New Yorker

I've won awards before, but you never assume you will.

The New York Times

Some foods, apparently, should never assume lollipop form.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with a specific consequence to make the advice more compelling, such as 'Never assume the power is off; always test the wires first.'

Common error

Avoid using "never assume" when the situation involves a logical inference based on prior evidence, where "do not presume" might be more precise. Assuming typically refers to taking something for granted without any evidence at all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "never assume" functions primarily as an imperative sentence or an advisory clause. According to Ludwig AI, it serves as a foundational rule in safety protocols, interpersonal communication, and logical reasoning. It acts as a negative command, utilizing the adverb 'never' to provide a totalizing prohibition against the act of 'assuming'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

55%

News & Media

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "never assume" is a powerful and correct linguistic tool used to promote accuracy and safety. Ludwig AI demonstrates its widespread utility across sectors ranging from Academia (MIT) to News & Media (The New Yorker). Whether you are writing a safety manual or a piece of investigative journalism, this phrase serves as a concise reminder to prioritize verification over intuition. It is grammatically robust and functions effectively as a standalone imperative, making it one of the most versatile advice-giving phrases in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not take for granted

Focuses on the danger of undervaluation or expecting something to remain constant without effort.

avoid making assumptions

A slightly more formal and descriptive version of the imperative.

do not jump to conclusions

Specifically warns against making a decision before having all the facts.

verify all facts

Shifts from a negative warning to a positive, action-oriented instruction.

take nothing at face value

Implies a deeper level of skepticism and critical analysis.

do not presume

Uses a more formal verb that suggests taking something as true based on probability rather than proof.

stay open-minded

Encourages a state of being rather than a specific action of avoidance.

question everything

A more proactive and broad approach to critical thinking.

check your premises

Often used in logical or philosophical contexts to ensure the foundation of an argument is sound.

reserve judgment

Suggests waiting until more information is available before forming an opinion.

FAQs

How do I use "never assume" in a sentence?

You can use it as a direct command to warn someone. For example, "When working with electricity, "never assume" the circuit is dead."

What can I say instead of "never assume"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "do not take anything for granted", "verify your facts", or "avoid making assumptions".

Is "never assume" too informal for business writing?

No, it is neutral and acceptable. However, in very formal reports, you might prefer "one should not assume" or "it is advisable not to presume".

What is the difference between "never assume" and "don't judge"?

"Never assume" refers to the cognitive act of taking information for granted, whereas "don't judge" refers to the moral or personal evaluation of a person or situation.