presumably not

USAGE SUMMARY

"presumably not" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that you suspect something is not likely to be true. For example, "Will it rain tomorrow? It's supposed to be sunny, so presumably not."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Presumably not.

The New York Times

Presumably not as Michelle's guest.

The New Yorker

Presumably not the latest French economic data?

The Guardian

(Presumably, not the ones from Oakland).

The New York Times - Sports

(Of people, presumably, not different types of beetles).

The New York Times

Presumably not Bud Selig, or anyone close to him.

The New Yorker

Presumably not just lengths for all that time?

The Guardian - Sport

The father will presumably not be from the action.

Independent

Q. Presumably not everyone was pleased? A. No.

The New York Times

Concentrating Australian minds was, presumably, not part of the plan.

Independent

(Presumably, not to be confused with New Coke).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "presumably not" to express a tentative conclusion based on available information or assumptions, particularly when you want to avoid stating a strong opinion.

Common error

Avoid using "presumably not" when you have strong evidence to the contrary. It's best used when there's a reasonable basis for your assumption, even if it's not definitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "presumably not" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause, expressing a qualified negation based on assumption or inference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound way to introduce uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "presumably not" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that conveys a tentative negation based on an assumption or inference. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for expressing doubt without making a definitive statement. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When using "presumably not", ensure that it aligns with the available evidence and avoid overstating certainty. Consider alternatives such as "probably not" or "likely not" depending on the desired nuance. This phrase helps writers express a degree of uncertainty while maintaining clarity in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probably not

This alternative uses "probably" instead of "presumably", indicating a slightly higher degree of certainty.

likely not

This alternative replaces "presumably" with "likely", conveying a similar level of expectation.

it's unlikely

This expresses a low probability of something happening.

not likely

This is a shorter, more concise version of "it's unlikely".

I doubt it

This is a more direct and informal way of expressing doubt.

I don't think so

This conveys a personal opinion that something is not the case.

improbably

This alternative uses an adverb to express the low probability.

I imagine not

This suggests a weaker form of doubt based on imagination.

scarcely

This implies a very low chance or possibility.

I'd venture to say no

This expresses a hesitant disagreement or doubt.

FAQs

How can I use "presumably not" in a sentence?

Use "presumably not" to express a reasoned assumption that something is unlikely to be true. For example, "Will the meeting be long? It's just an update, so "presumably not"."

What are some alternatives to saying "presumably not"?

You can use alternatives like "probably not", "likely not", or "I doubt it" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is there a difference between "presumably not" and "supposedly not"?

"Presumably not" implies a logical deduction based on available information, while "supposedly not" suggests information is based on hearsay or unverified claims.

When is it inappropriate to use "presumably not"?

Avoid using "presumably not" when you have concrete evidence that something is definitely true or false. It's best suited for situations involving speculation or reasonable assumptions.