reasonable assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

"reasonable assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to a conclusion or belief reached on the basis of limited evidence or information. For example, "Given the lack of evidence, it is a reasonable assumption that the missing item was stolen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it's a reasonable assumption.

The Guardian - Opinion

That, too, is a reasonable assumption.

The Guardian - Business

That is a perfectly reasonable assumption.

The New Yorker

That was a reasonable assumption then, but it is not a reasonable assumption now.

The Guardian

On the surface that seems a reasonable assumption to make.

The Guardian

It's a reasonable assumption, but what's the solution?

The Guardian

That was a reasonable assumption back in January.

The Guardian - Business

Three months ago it looked like a reasonable assumption.

The Guardian - Business

It's a reasonable assumption, even an intuitive one.

Harvard Business Review

Its cousins have some degree of feathers so it's a reasonable assumption".

The Guardian

José Mourinho is working on the reasonable assumption Chelsea have changed.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reasonable assumption", ensure the context provides enough information for the assumption to be considered logical. A clearly stated basis enhances credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "reasonable assumption" as an absolute fact. Qualify the statement to acknowledge the possibility of alternative outcomes or influencing factors. For instance, say "it is a reasonable assumption that..." instead of stating it definitively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable assumption" functions as a noun phrase, where "reasonable" modifies "assumption". Ludwig AI confirms that it introduces a belief or conclusion based on available evidence, suggesting a degree of likelihood but not certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonable assumption" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce an idea or proposition considered likely given available evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across diverse fields such as news, science, and business. While it implies a degree of likelihood, it's essential to acknowledge the potential for error and base assumptions on solid information to maintain credibility. Consider using alternatives like "logical assumption" or "plausible assumption" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

logical assumption

Replaces "reasonable" with "logical", emphasizing the well-reasoned nature of the assumption.

valid assumption

Substitutes "reasonable" with "valid", highlighting that the assumption is well-founded and justified.

justifiable assumption

Uses "justifiable" instead of "reasonable", indicating that there are good reasons to support the assumption.

plausible assumption

Replaces "reasonable" with "plausible", suggesting the assumption is believable and likely to be true.

sound assumption

Employs "sound" instead of "reasonable", emphasizing the solidity and reliability of the assumption.

well-founded assumption

Replaces "reasonable" with "well-founded", stressing that the assumption has a firm basis in evidence or reasoning.

tenable assumption

Uses "tenable" instead of "reasonable", implying the assumption is defensible and can be maintained.

defensible assumption

Substitutes "reasonable" with "defensible", indicating that the assumption can be supported against criticism.

credible assumption

Replaces "reasonable" with "credible", suggesting the assumption is worthy of belief or confidence.

acceptable assumption

Employs "acceptable" instead of "reasonable", indicating that the assumption is satisfactory and can be agreed upon.

FAQs

How can I use "reasonable assumption" in a sentence?

You can use "reasonable assumption" to introduce a statement that is likely true based on the available information. For example, "Given the evidence, it's a "reasonable assumption" that the project will succeed".

What are some alternatives to "reasonable assumption"?

Some alternatives include "logical assumption", "plausible assumption", or "valid assumption", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always safe to rely on a reasonable assumption?

While a "reasonable assumption" is based on available evidence, it's not always guaranteed to be correct. It's important to acknowledge the potential for error and consider alternative possibilities.

When is it appropriate to challenge a reasonable assumption?

It's appropriate to challenge a "reasonable assumption" when new evidence emerges that contradicts it or when the potential consequences of the assumption being wrong are significant.