safe assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

"safe assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing an idea that you believe is likely to be true based on what you know. For example, "It's a safe assumption that the annual general meeting will take place in the same location as last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that's not a safe assumption.

The New York Times

As Stobbart's allegations suggest, this is not a safe assumption.

The Guardian

I don't think that is a safe assumption at all.

The New York Times

SECOND FRENCHMAN: That is definitely a safe assumption to make about him.

The New Yorker

The only safe assumption is we're still not seeing or hearing the whole picture".

The New York Times

Mr. Ruppert's attorney, Hugh Holbrook, said it was a "safe assumption" that appeal would be filed.

The New York Times

Braley assumed punished meant "prosecuted," which might be a safe assumption.

The Washington Post

A company spokesman said it was "a safe assumption" that the bombing had a political motive.

The New York Times

The only safe assumption is that almost any species could be a potential carrier.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a safe assumption that The Good Dinosaur's convoluted genesis tested their community culture.

Independent

It's a safe assumption Georgia Tech fans don't think that anymore.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "safe assumption" when you have a well-founded reason to believe something is true, but lack definitive proof. It's suitable for scenarios where acting on the assumption is practical and low-risk.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "safe assumption" as an absolute fact. Qualify it with phrases like "it is likely that" or "it is reasonable to believe" to acknowledge the inherent uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "safe assumption" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and commonly used to express a belief based on available information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "safe assumption" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a belief that something is likely true based on available evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for contexts where a degree of certainty is warranted, yet absolute knowledge is lacking. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in formal and business settings. While it's essential to avoid overstating certainty when using this phrase, it offers a practical way to guide decisions and inferences based on reasonable expectations. Its frequent use in authoritative sources underscores its reliability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reasonable assumption

Changes the adjective to describe the type of assumption, focusing on its logical basis.

Fair assumption

Similar to reasonable assumption, emphasizing the impartiality of the assumption.

Justifiable assumption

Highlights that the assumption has a valid justification or basis.

Logical conclusion

Shifts from an assumption to a conclusion derived from a series of logical steps.

Warranted inference

Replaces assumption with inference, stressing that it is supported by evidence.

Presumption

A more concise term indicating something taken for granted or assumed.

Working hypothesis

Framing it in a scientific context where the assumption is treated as a testable starting point.

It stands to reason

An idiomatic expression suggesting that something is logically likely.

It is a given

Implies that something is already known or accepted as true.

One can expect

Focuses on anticipation or expectation based on current knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "safe assumption" to express a belief that something is likely true based on available information, such as "It's a safe assumption that the meeting will be held in the conference room".

What are some alternatives to "safe assumption"?

You can use alternatives like "reasonable assumption", "fair assumption", or "logical conclusion" depending on the specific context.

Is it always correct to use "safe assumption"?

While "safe assumption" is generally correct, it's important to ensure the assumption is indeed reasonable and supported by some evidence. Avoid using it when the assumption is purely speculative.

What distinguishes a "safe assumption" from a wild guess?

A "safe assumption" is based on some level of evidence or reasoning, whereas a wild guess lacks any factual basis. A "safe assumption" is an educated guess with some supporting rationale.