presumably you know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "presumably you know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to suggest that you believe the listener or reader has knowledge about a certain topic or fact without stating it explicitly. Example: "Presumably you know the basics of programming before taking this advanced course."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Presumably you know many, if not all, the risks and permutations before the wean pops out.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

JEFFREY TOOBIN: No interestings stories, since presumably you all know about Justice Thomas's thong.

The New Yorker

Presumably you do know but are choosing not to tell us.

The Guardian

And you know, presumably the job of the press is to not go around and spread scurrilous rumors like this until there's actually anything, one iota of substance or evidence that would substantiate it".

The New York Times

As my colleague Ishaan Tharoor noted, "He asked 'those responsible' (presumably the U.S .: 'Do you know what you've done?'" The luncheon was a precursor to a longer one-on-one talk later in the day before Putin left for Moscow.

Independent

There was a problem, though: "It didn't have the same thrill as putting it up your nose, you know?" And presumably it removes some of the social element from the ritual of taking drugs.

The Guardian - Music

While I'm not entirely sure how LITTLE STEEL TONIGHT creates "the perfect accompaniment to the handwritten chorus from Dave Stewart's song," at least it also comes with a guitar pick – you know, because presumably you'll be playing a lot of solos.

Vice

Plus, you know, there's those (presumably) Maryann-inflicted scars.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

You know it, I know it, presumably, FedEx knows it.

TechCrunch

Sorry keepitdusty but, as you presumably knew, you actually had a loser in that one — we should have credited johnny909 with the tip.

The Guardian - Sport

Your position is illogical because if you "know" that Dr Kelly killed himself, you presumably also "know" what the outcome of an inquest would be.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "presumably you know" when you want to politely suggest that someone is already aware of a fact or situation, avoiding direct accusation of ignorance.

Common error

While "presumably you know" is generally acceptable, overusing "presumably" can make your writing sound hesitant or condescending, especially in formal contexts. Vary your language with more direct statements or other qualifying adverbs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "presumably you know" functions as a hedge, softening a statement by expressing an assumption rather than a direct assertion. As Ludwig AI suggests, it implies the speaker believes the listener is already informed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "presumably you know" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to politely suggest that someone is already aware of a particular piece of information. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's commonly used in news and media contexts, and carries a neutral tone suitable for various situations. Related phrases include "I assume you're aware" or "I take it you already know", but using "presumably" too often, especially in formal settings, can make writing appear hesitant. When using it, it's important to consider whether the person is likely to know the information in question to avoid sounding condescending.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I assume you're aware

Replaces "presumably" with "I assume" for a more direct assumption of awareness.

I take it you already know

Uses "I take it" to indicate an assumption of prior knowledge.

You must already be aware

Emphasizes the likelihood of prior knowledge using "must".

I expect you're familiar with

Focuses on familiarity with a topic rather than direct knowledge.

It's likely you're already informed

Uses "likely" to suggest a high probability of being informed.

No doubt you're aware

Expresses strong confidence that the other person is aware.

You're probably already cognizant

Uses the more formal word "cognizant" to indicate awareness.

One would expect you to know

This is a more formal and less direct way of suggesting knowledge.

I imagine you're in the loop

Uses the idiom "in the loop" to imply knowledge of current information.

I dare say you already knew

Uses "I dare say" to express a polite, albeit slightly old-fashioned, assumption of knowledge.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "presumably you know" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "I assume you are aware", "It is likely you are already informed", or "One would expect you to know". These options offer a more professional tone compared to "presumably you know".

Is it ever rude to say "presumably you know"?

While generally polite, "presumably you know" can sound condescending if the context suggests the person is unlikely to know. Consider the recipient's background and the situation before using the phrase. Alternatives like "I assume you're aware" or "you might already be familiar with" can soften the tone.

When is it appropriate to use "presumably you know"?

It's appropriate when you have a reasonable basis to believe the other person possesses the information but want to avoid stating it directly. This can be useful in situations where being overly explicit would be redundant or might sound patronizing.

Are there synonyms for "presumably" that I can use with "you know"?

Yes, you can replace "presumably" with synonyms like "I assume", "likely", "no doubt", or "probably" to create similar phrases such as "I assume you know", "likely you know", or "no doubt you know". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.