presumably this works

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "presumably this works" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express an assumption or belief that something functions as intended, without having definitive proof. Example: "I haven't tested the new software yet, but presumably this works based on the reviews I've read."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

(Presumably this works best for homely shrimp).

The New Yorker

Presumably, this works in both directions: racists are willing to put aside their hatred of ethnic minorities to preserve the cohesion of the gang, and minorities are willing to overlook the fact that there may be racists in the firm for the same reason.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Presumably, this would work through iTunes like all of Apple-based content, but also presumably it would work over Apple's Apple TV device (though maybe a new version of it) to bring this content into the living room, where people are used to consuming it.

TechCrunch

Presumably, this will work through the common core standards, and other incentives.

Stanford University

You can now easily geotag tweets (presumably this will work with the Twitter Geolocation API when it goes live, but for now it inserts a Google Map link), search for hashtags to include, and even search the people you follow to find someone to @ reply to (this is very nice).

TechCrunch

Presumably the way this works is that the arts bureaucrat will simply delve into the inner monologue of the applicant, discover their true intentions, and then apportion the money accordingly.

The Guardian

Presumably these works alone seemed formally self-sufficient aesthetically pure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This presumably works by pleasantness being 'misattributed' by unconscious cognitive mechanisms that, ignorant of any more appropriate cause for the positive affect, attribute pleasantness to the next salient stimulus they find, with an enduring liking for the beverage resulting from this.

SEP

Santo Tomás grottoes, on a nearby hill, are noted for their hieroglyphic inscriptions, presumably the work of early indigenous peoples.

Britannica

Elsewhere, Salinger mentions that he is trying to forge ahead on his short-story series for The New Yorker, and makes tantalizing references to other unpublished and presumably lost works from this period.

The New York Times - Books

This person presumably works to make attending games more enjoyable and persuade people to sign over their entire bank account to the team instead of just 90 percent.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "presumably this works" when you want to suggest something should function as intended based on available information or assumptions, but without absolute certainty. This is useful in speculative contexts or when presenting a hypothesis.

Common error

Avoid using "presumably this works" when you have concrete evidence or proof of functionality. In such cases, a more definitive statement is appropriate, as "presumably" introduces an element of doubt that is unnecessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "presumably this works" functions as an adverbial modifier expressing an assumption or expectation regarding the functionality of something. As Ludwig AI points out, it indicates a belief that something is functioning as intended without definitive proof.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "presumably this works" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express an assumption or expectation that something is functional, often without concrete proof. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears in a variety of contexts, including news, science, and academia. For situations requiring greater certainty, alternatives like "it should work" or "it is expected to work" may be more appropriate. When using "presumably this works", ensure that you're genuinely expressing an assumption rather than stating a known fact to avoid miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it should work

Omits the adverb "presumably", making it a more direct expectation.

it is expected to work

Adds a level of formality and explicitly states the expectation.

it is likely to work

Replaces "presumably" with "likely", indicating a strong possibility.

it is supposed to work

Expresses the intended functionality or design.

I assume it works

Shifts the focus to the speaker's assumption.

I expect it to work

Similar to 'I assume it works' but indicates a higher degree of confidence.

it probably works

Uses "probably" instead of "presumably", suggesting a slightly higher likelihood.

it might work

Indicates a possibility, but with less certainty than "presumably".

in theory, it works

Highlights that the functionality is based on a theoretical concept.

it should be functional

Focuses on the functionality aspect using a different adjective.

FAQs

How can I use "presumably this works" in a sentence?

Use "presumably this works" to express an educated guess or expectation about the functionality of something. For example, "The software update is installed; "presumably this works" now to fix the bug".

What's a more formal alternative to "presumably this works"?

A more formal alternative would be "it is expected to function", which conveys a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

When is it inappropriate to use "presumably this works"?

It's not advisable to use "presumably this works" when you have concrete evidence that something either does or does not work. The phrase implies uncertainty, so use it only when certainty is lacking.

What's the difference between "presumably this works" and "hopefully this works"?

"Presumably this works" suggests a logical expectation based on available information, while "hopefully this works" expresses a desire for a positive outcome. The former is based on reasoning, the latter on hope.