presumably believed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "presumably believed" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when describing a belief or assumption that is based on available evidence or logic, but may not be confirmed or proven to be true. It adds a level of uncertainty to the statement. Example: He was seen entering the building alone, presumably believed to be the last person to see the victim before their disappearance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Mr McCain has done a quick politician's backflip, but some of his audience presumably believed what he and Sarah Palin were saying.

The Economist

Why did bishops, who were not monsters and who presumably believed themselves to be exemplars of goodness, choose to send child rapists out into parishes rather than bring the institution into disrepute?

The Guardian

Andrée reported, and presumably believed, that with drag rope/sails steering he had succeeded in deviating about ten degrees either way from the wind direction.

Wikipedia

The official presumably believed that because now that Bulgaria has refused access to the Russians, Greece is geographically freed of responsibility.

Vice

In Bush v. Gore, the judicial conservatives who presumably believed in the preeminence of states' rights stopped the recount even before it was completed, and before giving the Florida courts a chance to straighten out any problems.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

More than that, he presumably believes that the priorities he's set out make sense.

The New Yorker

Chinese officials presumably believe that this situation will change over time.

The Guardian - Business

Comcast presumably believes that cables and content to push through them are worth more together than separately.

The Economist

(Although Scalia and Thomas presumably believe that abortion should be illegal, their jurisprudence doesn't require states to make it illegal).

The Economist

He presumably believes that angry Catalans will vote for his nationalist coalition, Convergence and Union, or for separatist parties.

The Economist

What economists who support his proposal presumably believe is that after the election this can all be fixed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "presumably believed" when you want to indicate a belief based on reasonable inference but without definitive proof. This acknowledges a degree of uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "presumably believed" when you have concrete evidence. If you possess solid proof, a more direct statement of fact is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "presumably believed" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a verb. It qualifies the verb "believed", indicating that the belief is based on an assumption or inference rather than concrete evidence. Ludwig confirms its correct and acceptable usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "presumably believed" is a grammatically correct and acceptable way to express an inferred belief. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage implies that the belief is based on reasonable evidence but lacks definitive proof. Found most often in News & Media, the phrase offers a neutral tone appropriate for various registers. While conveying a sense of reasoned assumption, remember to avoid using it when you have concrete evidence; instead, opt for more assertive statements. Understanding this subtle nuance ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assumed to believe

Replaces "presumably" with "assumed", focusing on the act of assuming.

it is thought they believed

Changes the structure to emphasize the thought process rather than the assumption.

it is supposed they believed

Shifts focus to a general supposition or expectation.

ostensibly believed

Indicates a belief that is stated or appears to be true, but may not be.

allegedly believed

Highlights that the belief is claimed but not proven.

reportedly believed

Emphasizes that the belief is based on reports from others.

it was gathered they believed

Implies the belief was inferred from available information.

one can infer they believed

Highlights the act of inferring the belief.

it seems reasonable to believe

Suggests that the belief is logical or sensible based on the circumstances.

apparently held the belief

Focuses on the outward appearance of holding the belief.

FAQs

How do you use "presumably believed" in a sentence?

Use "presumably believed" to express a belief that is likely true based on the available evidence or context, such as "He left the house early, presumably believed he had an important meeting."

What phrases are similar to "presumably believed"?

Alternatives include "assumed to believe", "allegedly believed", or "reportedly believed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "presumably believed"?

Yes, "presumably believed" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate a reasonable assumption about someone's belief. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

What's the difference between "presumably believed" and "certainly believed"?

"Presumably believed" indicates an inference based on available evidence, while "certainly believed" suggests a much stronger level of confidence or proof. The former introduces an element of uncertainty.