prior assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prior assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an assumption that was made before a certain point in time or before a specific event or discussion. Example: "Based on our prior assumption, we expected the results to be significantly different."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In Bayesian language, something like a prior assumption.

The Guardian

A prior assumption of zero probability can never be changed.

The Guardian

The present approach predicts the mode without prior assumption.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Firstly, no prior assumption on the diffusion layer thickness had to be made.

Corrosion Science

They need to be able to carry out this sort of blind inference based on activity, and then perhaps some sort of prior assumption about structure.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The guidance law is firstly designed with the prior assumption of a stationary target, followed by the practical extension to a moving target scenario.

ISA Transactions

Thus, local structural comparisons of evolutionarily important residues can help decipher protein functions to known reliability levels and without prior assumption on functional mechanisms.

Journal of Molecular Biology

If you have a prior assumption that modern life is rubbish and technology is intrinsically evil, then you will place a high prior probability on carbon dioxide emissions dooming us all.

The Guardian

The results are highly dependent on this prior assumption, and may therefore be criticized for being based on the opposite of a null hypothesis.

Advances in Space Research

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International Journal of Solids and Structures

In this study, no prior assumption on surface charge density of the particle, Debye length and imposed external electric field are made.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "prior assumption", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the assumption is and why it's considered prior. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures that the reader understands the basis for subsequent reasoning.

Common error

Avoid vaguely referring to a "prior assumption" without clearly stating what that assumption is. Always articulate the assumption to ensure your audience understands the basis of your argument or analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prior assumption" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It denotes a belief or premise held before a particular investigation, analysis, or decision-making process. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

16%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prior assumption" is a valuable tool for clearly articulating the foundational beliefs or premises underlying an argument, analysis, or decision. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently encountered. It is particularly common in academic and scientific contexts, but also appears in news and media. When employing "prior assumption", it's crucial to explicitly state the assumption to avoid vagueness and ensure that readers understand the basis for subsequent reasoning. Considering alternative phrases like "underlying premise" or "preconceived notion" can enhance the precision of your writing. By paying attention to clarity and explicitness, you can effectively use "prior assumption" to communicate your ideas in a transparent and rigorous manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presupposition

Implies something taken for granted beforehand, often implicit rather than explicit.

preconceived notion

Changes the emphasis to a belief formed beforehand, often without sufficient evidence.

foundational assumption

Highlights the role of the assumption as a critical base upon which something is built.

initial hypothesis

Replaces "assumption" with "hypothesis", suggesting a starting point for investigation.

underlying premise

Shifts focus to the fundamental basis or foundation of an argument or idea.

primary expectation

Replaces "assumption" with "expectation", focusing on what is anticipated beforehand.

pre-existing belief

Emphasizes a belief that already exists before a particular event or situation.

starting point

Broadens the concept to any initial basis for reasoning or action.

antecedent condition

Focuses on the condition or event that precedes and influences a subsequent one.

basic tenet

Indicates a fundamental principle or belief held to be true.

FAQs

How is "prior assumption" used in academic writing?

In academic writing, "prior assumption" is used to refer to a belief or idea that is taken as true before beginning research or analysis. It's crucial to clearly state any prior assumptions to ensure transparency and allow readers to evaluate the validity of your conclusions. It can refer to "initial hypothesis" or "underlying premise".

What's a good alternative to the phrase "prior assumption"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "prior assumption" include "preconceived notion", "underlying premise", or "initial hypothesis". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to avoid making prior assumptions in research?

While striving for objectivity is important, it's often impossible to eliminate all prior assumptions. The key is to acknowledge and critically evaluate those assumptions, considering how they might influence your findings. Ignoring prior assumptions can lead to biased interpretations.

How does "prior assumption" relate to Bayesian statistics?

In Bayesian statistics, a prior assumption is a prior probability distribution representing beliefs about a parameter before observing any data. This prior is then updated with new data to obtain a posterior distribution. The choice of prior can significantly impact the results.