presumably so

USAGE SUMMARY

"presumably so" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is likely or assumed to be true. You can use it in various situations, such as when making a logical conclusion based on evidence or when expressing a guess or assumption. Here is an example: "I saw Sarah leave the office with a suitcase. Presumably so, she must be going on a business trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Of course you would, and, presumably, so did Larry.

The New Yorker

(Claudius is buck naked, presumably so we can understand why Gertrude would marry him).

The New York Times

The powerhouses are stockpiling bodies, presumably so other teams cannot get at them.

The New York Times - Sports

She holds her hands over her ears, presumably so as not to hear his excuses.

The New Yorker

Presumably so when you tell him, "Hey, I'm up here," he's actually looking up there.

The New York Times

Presumably, so have their listeners, some of whom are closing in on 50.

The New York Times - Arts

Presumably so they can make love in Italian, after their enormous fairy-lit bath.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Presumably so it can get a firsthand view of the horrors wrought by mass tourism.

The Guardian

Often it was mostly there (or at least presumably so) but the tip would be gone.

The Guardian

Presumably so they can come back and tell us how bad things are.

The Guardian - Opinion

They asked only that I return the dead bulb, presumably so they could determine why it failed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "presumably so" when you want to indicate that something is likely true based on available evidence or common sense. It is a concise way to express an assumption without stating it as an absolute fact.

Common error

Avoid using "presumably so" when you have concrete evidence or direct knowledge. This phrase is best suited for situations where you are making an educated guess or drawing a logical conclusion, not stating a confirmed fact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "presumably so" is as an adverbial phrase modifying a clause, sentence, or verb. It indicates that a statement is likely true based on inference. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase adds a nuance of assumption or probability to the assertion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "presumably so" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that indicates an assumption or likely conclusion based on available information. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. It's particularly prevalent in News & Media and Science contexts and serves to soften statements by acknowledging a degree of uncertainty. When using "presumably so", ensure that you are expressing a logical deduction rather than stating a confirmed fact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presumably therefore

Adds a slightly stronger emphasis on the logical consequence.

it is reasonable to assume

A more formal and explicit way of stating an assumption.

it can be inferred that

Highlights the process of deduction and logical reasoning.

one can assume that

Similar to the previous, but with a slightly more personal tone.

it is likely that

Focuses on the probability of something being true.

it stands to reason that

Suggests that something is logical and expected.

it seems logical that

Emphasizes the logical appearance of a conclusion.

it would follow that

Indicates a direct consequence or result.

it can be supposed that

Introduces a degree of uncertainty or speculation.

the assumption is

Highlights the underlying assumption being made.

FAQs

How can I use "presumably so" in a sentence?

"Presumably so" is used to indicate an assumption or likelihood based on the available information. For example: "He left early, presumably so he could avoid traffic."

What alternatives can I use instead of "presumably so"?

Alternatives to "presumably so" include phrases like "it is reasonable to assume", "it is likely that", or "one can assume that". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "presumably so" formal or informal?

"Presumably so" is generally considered suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly found in written communication. Consider alternatives for very formal settings, as mentioned above.

What is the difference between "presumably so" and "apparently so"?

"Presumably so" indicates an assumption based on reasoning, while "apparently so" suggests that something is true based on outward appearances or secondhand information. "Presumably" is based on deduction, "apparently" on observation.