questionable assumptions

USAGE SUMMARY

"questionable assumptions" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe assumptions that you believe may not be based on facts or evidence. For example, "The company's plans are based on questionable assumptions, so we need to reevaluate them before moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This dystopian vision rests on many questionable assumptions, of course.

The New York Times - Books

And this is after making some questionable assumptions and leaving out very real problems.

The Guardian

Aside from these practical problems, the plan rests on two common but ultimately questionable assumptions.

The New Yorker

But unconsciously or otherwise they appear to have produced some questionable assumptions fed into those models.

The Guardian

Over time markets saw through the questionable assumptions underlying the I.M.F.

The New York Times

Data analysts often make "questionable assumptions" about the meaning of keystrokes, he says.

The New York Times

But such studies are based on thin data and questionable assumptions.

The Economist

People close to Dish dispute that calculation, arguing that it includes a number of questionable assumptions.

The New York Times

To begin with, the institute points out, the approach builds in questionable assumptions.

The Economist

The test rests on questionable assumptions about the nature of foreign relations law and the proper role of federal courts.

Harvard University

(5) Available computer models, which are based on some soft data and questionable assumptions, suggest that screening can be beneficial.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always provide supporting evidence or reasoning when you state that someones plans are based on "questionable assumptions".

Common error

Avoid using "questionable assumptions" as a vague criticism. Instead, specify which assumptions are questionable and why. For example, instead of saying 'The plan relies on questionable assumptions,' state 'The plan assumes a constant growth rate of 5%, which is questionable given the current market volatility'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "questionable assumptions" functions as a noun phrase, with "questionable" modifying "assumptions". It typically serves as a critical assessment of the validity or reliability of underlying beliefs or premises. Ludwig confirms its standard usage in academic, news, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

26%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "questionable assumptions" is a grammatically correct and frequently employed term used to express doubt about the validity or reliability of certain assumptions. Ludwig AI validates its standard usage across diverse contexts, from academia and science to news and general media. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify which assumptions are "questionable" and to provide evidence or reasoning to support your critique. Alternatives like "dubious premises" or "tenuous suppositions" offer similar meanings with slight differences in nuance. The goal is to challenge the basis of an argument, plan, or model by highlighting its reliance on assumptions that are not well-supported or realistic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dubious premises

Replaces "assumptions" with "premises" and "questionable" with "dubious", implying uncertainty or doubt.

tenuous suppositions

Substitutes "assumptions" with "suppositions" and "questionable" with "tenuous", suggesting the assumptions are weak or lack a solid basis.

shaky presumptions

Replaces "assumptions" with "presumptions" and "questionable" with "shaky", highlighting their instability.

debatable premises

Replaces "assumptions" with "premises" and "questionable" with "debatable", indicating the assumptions are open to argument.

contestable beliefs

Substitutes "assumptions" with "beliefs" and "questionable" with "contestable", suggesting the beliefs can be challenged.

uncertain premises

Replaces "assumptions" with "premises" and "questionable" with "uncertain", suggesting a lack of sureness.

unsubstantiated claims

Replaces "assumptions" with "claims" and "questionable" with "unsubstantiated", highlighting the lack of evidence.

invalid presumptions

Replaces "assumptions" with "presumptions" and "questionable" with "invalid", suggesting the presumptions are not valid or correct.

flawed reasoning

Replaces the entire phrase with a description of the cause - the line of thought is flawed.

unfounded assertions

Replaces "assumptions" with "assertions" and "questionable" with "unfounded", highlighting the lack of foundation.

FAQs

How can I use "questionable assumptions" in a sentence?

You can use "questionable assumptions" to critique plans, models, or arguments. For example: "The budget forecasts are built on "questionable assumptions" about future tax revenues".

What are some alternatives to "questionable assumptions"?

Alternatives include "dubious premises", "tenuous suppositions", or "shaky presumptions", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "questionable assumptions" or "invalid assumptions"?

"Questionable assumptions" implies doubt or uncertainty, while "invalid assumptions" suggests they are demonstrably false. Choose the term that best reflects the degree of certainty about the assumptions' flaws.

What makes an assumption "questionable"?

An assumption is "questionable" when it lacks sufficient evidence, contradicts known facts, or relies on overly optimistic or unrealistic projections. It suggests that the assumption should be examined critically.