presume otherwise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "presume otherwise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you are assuming a different conclusion or belief than what has been previously stated or implied. Example: "If you believe that the project will succeed, I can only presume otherwise based on the current data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Ah, they hadn't given it a moment's thought, he said, coyly marvelling that anyone might presume otherwise.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And for all Ms. Redgrave's denial, the play is so close to autobiographical, it would be folly to presume otherwise.

The New York Times

He added, "To presume otherwise would require reversal every time a jury inquires about a matter of constitutional significance, regardless of the judge's answer".

The New York Times

The fact that their CEOs have brown or yellow skin does not automatically make them corrupt; to presume otherwise is mere xenophobia.The president took money from people--any people--who hoped he would cherish their interests.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He attributed everything to luck and said he had a bridge in Brooklyn to sell anybody who presumed otherwise.

The New York Times

By John McPhee My life list is in no way comparable to Sandy Frazier's, and I hope that anyone reading this will not even faintly imagine that I am presuming otherwise as I go on to mention my own modest history with eccentric food.

The New Yorker

My life list is in no way comparable to Sandy Frazier's, and I hope that anyone reading this will not even faintly imagine that I am presuming otherwise as I go on to mention my own modest history with eccentric food.

The New Yorker

Although initially presumed otherwise [ 31], it is unlikely that LOC387761 is a true diabetes locus and could thus have been excluded from our models without diminishing the discriminative power.

Diabetologia

A white character, according to western film-making tradition, provides a way into a foreign subject for mostly white western audiences– who, it is presumed, would otherwise have no interest.

The Guardian - Film

There's a social history in email, but it's based on a structure of authority, presumed or otherwise.

TechCrunch

Of course, if opt-out organ procurement policies are justified, it is not necessary that one justify them in terms of consent (presumed or otherwise) as long as one is prepared to argue that sometimes, certain values defeat individuals' consent rights.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "presume otherwise", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being presumed against. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "presume otherwise" without clearly stating or implying the initial presumption. Readers may not always grasp what you're contrasting, leading to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "presume otherwise" functions as a hedge or qualifier, suggesting an alternative assumption based on the available evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. Examples show it often appears after stating a common belief or expectation to introduce a contrasting view.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "presume otherwise" is a grammatically sound expression used to introduce a different assumption or perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable. While not exceedingly common, it appears across varied contexts like news, science, and formal writing. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to establish the initial presumption before using this phrase. Related options include "assume a different view" or "think differently", providing alternative ways to express a contrasting viewpoint.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assume a different view

Focuses on adopting an alternative perspective or belief.

think differently

Emphasizes a contrasting thought process or opinion.

conclude the opposite

Highlights reaching an opposing deduction or judgment.

believe the contrary

Indicates holding a belief that is in direct opposition to a stated or implied one.

expect the reverse

Suggests anticipating an outcome that is the opposite of what is proposed.

consider a counter-argument

Implies evaluating an opposing point of view.

maintain a conflicting opinion

Expresses holding a divergent perspective.

deduce an alternative

Highlights reaching a different inference or conclusion.

take exception

Implies disagreeing with something, often formally or strongly.

disagree fundamentally

Emphasizes a deep or basic divergence of opinion.

FAQs

How can I use "presume otherwise" in a sentence?

You can use "presume otherwise" to indicate a differing assumption based on available evidence. For example, "If the data suggests a decline, we must "presume otherwise" until proven wrong."

What does "presume otherwise" mean?

The phrase "presume otherwise" means to assume a different conclusion or belief than what has been previously stated or implied. It suggests a contrasting viewpoint or expectation.

What is a good alternative to "presume otherwise"?

A good alternative is to "assume a different view" or to "think differently", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it formal or informal to use "presume otherwise"?

The phrase "presume otherwise" is generally suitable for neutral to formal contexts. In informal settings, you might opt for simpler expressions like "think differently".