this presupposes that

USAGE SUMMARY

"this presupposes that" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to introduce an assumption or prerequisite for something else that is being discussed. Example: "In order to fully understand the implications of the new policy, we must first acknowledge and accept certain underlying principles. This presupposes that we have a clear understanding of our company's values and goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

This presupposes that the defendant was not found unfit to stand trial at the outset.

The Guardian

This presupposes that the anchors possess natural positions in the subjective dynamic range and also "numerical" inter-relations.

Applied Ergonomics

However, this presupposes that disabled and older people are open to paying for assistive products previously provided free on assessment.

The Guardian

This presupposes that the Kremlin is not again thinking of trying to incorporate all of Western Europe into its system.

The New Yorker

ALL of this presupposes that another time for progress toward peace may come -- and, with it, the debate over how active Americans should be in seeking a deal.

The New York Times

However, this presupposes that the current alarming trends are taken seriously by the management authorities, and that the multi-professional knowledge available is applied in future planning processes for our rural areas.

Journal for Nature Conservation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

This presupposed that the Iraqi leader cared for his people.

The Guardian

This model presupposes that the probability of belonging to this study population does not depend on the disease status (given the exposure), and that the exposure has stopped at the time of data collection.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

This premise presupposes that if someone has moral knowledge, then this person makes a moral judgment the content of which is a true proposition.

SEP

"This redesign presupposes that those 5percentt are still there".

The New York Times - Arts

This argument presupposes that "traditions" are worth preserving.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this presupposes that" to clearly state an underlying assumption or condition that must be true for your argument or statement to hold. This helps avoid misunderstandings and strengthens your reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "this presupposes that" when the assumption is already widely understood or obvious. Overstating the obvious can weaken your writing and make it seem condescending. Instead, reserve the phrase for assumptions that are crucial but not immediately apparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this presupposes that" functions as a discourse marker, specifically introducing an assumption or precondition that is essential for the validity of a statement or argument. As Ludwig AI also indicates, it sets the stage for a condition that needs to be met.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this presupposes that" is a useful tool for explicitly stating underlying assumptions in your writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in science and news. While it's suitable for formal and neutral registers, remember to use it judiciously, avoiding obvious or widely accepted assumptions. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "this assumes that" or "this requires that", adjusting based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this assumes that

Replaces "presupposes" with "assumes", indicating a belief taken for granted.

this requires that

Emphasizes the necessity of a condition rather than an underlying assumption.

this entails that

Highlights a logical consequence or necessary result.

this implies that

Focuses on the suggestion or indication of a condition, often less direct than "presupposes".

this hinges on the fact that

Highlights the critical dependence on a particular condition.

this is predicated on the idea that

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the assumption.

it is based on the premise that

Highlights the logical foundation or starting point of an argument.

it is conditional on

Focuses on the dependency of an outcome on a specific condition being met.

this is contingent upon

Suggests a dependence on a future event or condition.

this takes for granted that

Implies that something is accepted as true without proof or question.

FAQs

What does "this presupposes that" mean?

The phrase "this presupposes that" introduces an underlying assumption or condition that must be true for the statement or argument to be valid. It indicates a necessary precondition.

How can I use "this presupposes that" in a sentence?

Use "this presupposes that" to highlight a specific assumption that might not be obvious. For example, "Implementing this policy effectively "presupposes that" all employees have access to the necessary training materials".

What can I say instead of "this presupposes that"?

You can use alternatives like "this assumes that", "this requires that", or "this implies that" depending on the context.

Is "this presupposes that" formal or informal?

The phrase "this presupposes that" is generally suitable for formal and semi-formal writing. While not overly technical, it adds a level of precision that is often appreciated in academic or professional contexts.