presume that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'presume that' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to assume that something is correct or true without having any evidence to support it. For example, "We can presume that the meeting will take place as scheduled, unless we're informed otherwise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Gail:  I presume that makes you happy.

The New York Times

I presume that is for my questions".

The Guardian - Business

I presume that is what will happen.

The New York Times

"I presume that you learned what you could.

The New Yorker

They presume that faculty members can devote summers to instruction.

The New York Times

Or should one presume that most people are thieving heels?

The New York Times - Magazine

You might presume that with great fame comes cynicism.

The New Yorker

But we also can't presume that "most people" are thieves.

The New York Times - Magazine

Researchers presume that language barriers pull down scores for Hispanics.

The New York Times

Should policies presume that only minorities need a leg up?

The New York Times

You presume that this writer is a man, but why?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "presume that" when you have a reasonable basis for your belief, but lack concrete proof. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts when conveying an assumption.

Common error

Avoid using "presume that" when you have definitive evidence. Using it in such cases can weaken your statement. Choose a stronger verb if certainty is established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "presume that" functions as a connector introducing a clause expressing an assumption or belief. It signals that the speaker or writer is proceeding on a basis of probability rather than established fact. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in both formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "presume that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce an assumption or belief, functioning as a connector within a sentence. It maintains a neutral to professional register, fitting comfortably in both news reporting and scientific discourse, as highlighted in the examples provided by Ludwig. The phrase is widely considered grammatically correct and is commonly used. While similar to "assume that", it often suggests a slightly stronger basis for the expressed belief. Remember to use "presume that" when you have a reasonable basis for your belief but lack definitive proof, and avoid it when you possess concrete evidence to prevent weakening your statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assume that

Replaces "presume" with "assume", indicating a belief taken for granted without proof, very similar in meaning but slightly more common.

suppose that

Similar to "presume", suggesting a tentative belief based on probability but lacking definitive proof.

take it for granted that

Implies an acceptance of something as true without questioning, placing more emphasis on unquestioning acceptance.

infer that

Suggests a conclusion reached based on evidence and reasoning, rather than a simple assumption.

surmise that

Indicates a conjecture or guess based on incomplete information; highlights a degree of uncertainty.

conclude that

Suggests a more formal and definitive judgment, often after careful consideration.

gather that

Implies collecting information that leads to a certain understanding; highlights the process of forming a belief.

expect that

Expresses an anticipation of a certain outcome based on past experience or knowledge; places emphasis on anticipation.

postulate that

Introduces a hypothesis or theory, often in a scientific or academic context; emphasizes the proposition being put forth.

hypothesize that

Presents a tentative explanation for a phenomenon, intended as a basis for further investigation; emphasizes the speculative nature of the belief.

FAQs

How to use "presume that" in a sentence?

The phrase "presume that" is used to introduce something you assume to be true. For example, "I "presume that" the meeting will start on time" suggests you believe the meeting will be punctual, though you may not have confirmation.

What can I say instead of "presume that"?

You can use alternatives like "assume that", "suppose that", or "infer that" depending on the nuance you want to convey. Each carries a slightly different implication about the basis for your belief.

When is it appropriate to use "presume that"?

"Presume that" is appropriate when you have a reasonable basis for your belief, but lack concrete evidence. It is useful in situations where you want to express an assumption without stating it as a certainty.

What's the difference between "presume that" and "assume that"?

While ""presume that"" and "assume that" are often used interchangeably, "presume" often implies a slightly stronger basis for belief than "assume". "Presume" suggests a reasonable inference, while "assume" can indicate a belief taken for granted.