presume

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "presume" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to form an assumption or opinion, usually based on limited information. For example, "I presume the meeting will begin at 3pm, based on the email I received this morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For me, it registered as a dramatic manifestation of Ramsay's controlling malevolence and Sansa's suffering, which I presume was what was intended.

The Guardian - Opinion

The committee chairman agreed – that there was a link between miasma and fever – but would only go so far as to say: "I should presume that over-crowded burying-grounds would supply such effluvia most abundantly".

The Guardian

Never again have I been so quick to presume I understand the pressures other people operate under.

The Guardian - Opinion

I turn away for an instant and when my attention returns to the scene, I notice the red-streaked woman has disappeared into what I presume is the van.

The Guardian

She accuses the prime minister of neglecting wise counsel (including, we presume, her own) and permitting a drift away from "commitment to the rule of law" and "international justice".

The Guardian - Opinion

Also, many African professionals in Europe I have spoken to get exhausted by constantly being underestimated in their workplaces because it is assumed that since they grew up and went to school in a poor, backward environment (as many presume all of Africa is), they can't know terribly much after all.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think the suggestion made by Mr Miliband shows that his head [I presume Major meant heart] is in the right place, but I don't think it's a workable proposition.

The Guardian

Germany's wear (I presume) white shirts with that black and gold blaze across the front, white shorts and white socks.

The Guardian - Sport

"If they don't see us firing they will presume we have abandoned the positions and they start moving against us," said a young soldier.

The Guardian

Don't presume anything about your students; you never know what their background is or what issues they may be battling.

The Guardian

But if he were staring at you, I presume it wouldn't be okay, that you would make a laughing stock out of him.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "presume" when you have some basis for your belief, but lack definitive proof. It suggests a reasoned assumption rather than a wild guess.

Common error

While "presume" is generally acceptable, overusing it can make your writing sound less assertive. In situations where you have strong evidence, consider using more direct language to express your conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "presume" is as a verb. It is used to express the act of assuming something to be true, often based on probability or reasonable evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this verb is commonly used in various contexts to indicate a degree of certainty without absolute proof.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "presume" is a versatile term used to express an assumption or belief based on available evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. While often interchangeable with synonyms like "assume" or "suppose", "presume" suggests a reasoned inference. Remember to use "presume" when you have some basis for your belief, but lack definitive proof, and be mindful of overuse in overly formal contexts. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "presume" to convey your intended meaning with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assume

This is a direct synonym, implying a belief in something without proof.

suppose

This suggests a tentative assumption, often with less confidence than "presume".

take for granted

This implies accepting something as true or certain without questioning it.

conjecture

This suggests forming an opinion or supposition about something on the basis of incomplete information.

surmise

This implies a conclusion based on limited evidence or intuition.

deduce

This suggests reaching a conclusion through logical reasoning and inference.

infer

This means to conclude information from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements.

gather

This indicates collecting information to form an opinion or belief.

expect

This denotes anticipating something to happen or be the case.

speculate

This implies forming a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence.

FAQs

How to use "presume" in a sentence?

You can use "presume" to express an assumption based on reasonable evidence, such as, "I presume the package will arrive tomorrow, since it was shipped yesterday."

What can I say instead of "presume"?

You can use alternatives like "assume", "suppose", or "surmise", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "presume" or "assume"?

"Presume" and "assume" are often interchangeable, but "presume" usually implies a bit more evidence or reason behind the assumption. "Assume" can be a more general term.

What's the difference between "presume" and "guess"?

"Presume" implies a reasoned inference based on some information, while "guess" suggests a less informed or more random selection of a possible answer.