presumably true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "presumably true" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something is assumed to be true based on available evidence or reasoning, but without absolute certainty. Example: "The data suggests a significant increase in sales, so it is presumably true that our marketing strategy is effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

That was presumably true, but only the Los Angeles Times had printed it.

The New Yorker

Her response suggested that she managed to find an equally compelling, inspirational narrative from the sadder, presumably true, version of her father's history: "Thank God," she said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now and then, the comedy breaks into the horror itself, and the result is stories, presumably true enough, whose macabre humor easily surpasses that of any Surrealist invention.

The New Yorker

It is presumably true that most organ sellers would be poor; on the other hand, many of the recipients would be poor also.

The New Yorker

This is presumably true.

SEP

These elements are important conditioners that make it possible to establish a presumably true image (a specific narrative) of organizational culture.

Safety Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

We have sometimes also used the conceptually different and perhaps more logically consistent information-based approach (10, 11), in which models are viewed as being approximations to some unknown but presumably complicated true mechanism, and the best model is the one with minimal distance to the true mechanism, after correction for bias introduced by the number of parameters.

Biological Procedures Online

The same would presumably be true of an op-ed writer's columns or an activist's slogans.

The New Yorker

(This is presumably not true in places frequented by unattached young people, but I have never been young or unattached here, so I wouldn't know).

The New York Times - Style

And "The Country Girl" is about people who love the theater so much it hurts, which is presumably also true of this production's illustrious participants.

The New York Times

It is presumably a true marker of an asteroid impact with global repercussions, and this further complicates understanding of the mass extinction.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "presumably true" when you have some evidence or reason to believe something is true, but you lack definitive proof. It's suitable for expressing a reasoned assumption.

Common error

Avoid using "presumably true" when you possess concrete evidence. The phrase implies uncertainty; stronger language is appropriate if you have solid proof.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "presumably true" functions as an adverbial modifier qualifying an adjective. It indicates a provisional acceptance of truth, based on available information but without absolute certainty. Ludwig examples show it's used to express assumptions in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "presumably true" is a versatile expression used to indicate a qualified acceptance of truth. As confirmed by Ludwig, it signals that something is likely true based on available evidence but without absolute certainty. It is commonly found in news, scientific writing, and encyclopedic content, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The phrase serves to express assumptions and encourage critical evaluation. Alternatives like "likely true" or "assumed to be true" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using "presumably true", ensure that it aligns with the degree of certainty you intend to express, avoiding its use when stronger evidence is available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely true

Indicates a high probability of being true, focusing on the likelihood.

probably true

Emphasizes a good chance of being true, suggesting a strong possibility.

assumed to be true

Highlights the assumption aspect, indicating acceptance as true without concrete proof.

apparently true

Focuses on the outward appearance of truth, suggesting truth based on observation.

ostensibly true

Similar to 'apparently', but with a hint of potential deception or superficiality.

seemingly true

Indicates truth based on initial impressions, possibly subject to change.

reportedly true

Highlights that the truth is based on reports or hearsay, not direct knowledge.

reputedly true

Similar to 'reportedly', emphasizing the reputation or common belief in its truth.

allegedly true

Indicates a claim of truth that is yet to be proven or might be contested.

supposedly true

Suggests truth based on common belief or what is generally accepted, potentially without verification.

FAQs

What does "presumably true" mean?

The phrase "presumably true" indicates that something is likely true based on available evidence or reasoning, but without absolute certainty or definitive proof.

When should I use "presumably true" in my writing?

Use "presumably true" when you want to convey that something is assumed to be true based on some level of evidence but cannot be definitively confirmed. Alternatives include "likely true" or "assumed to be true".

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

"Presumably true" implies a degree of uncertainty based on available evidence, while "certainly true" suggests complete confidence and absence of doubt. If you have solid evidence, "certainly true" is a stronger choice; otherwise, "presumably true" is more appropriate.

Are there formal or informal alternatives to "presumably true"?

For more formal contexts, consider "assumed to be true" or "ostensibly true". Informal alternatives might include "likely true" or "probably true". The choice depends on the tone and audience of your writing.