unfounded assumptions

USAGE SUMMARY

"unfounded assumptions" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a phrase used to describe ideas that have no basis in fact or reality, making them potentially misleading or incorrect. For example, "The decision was based on unfounded assumptions about the economy, and ultimately proved to be wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Don't be patronising or make unfounded assumptions.

The Guardian - Sport

This study was roundly rejected after its modelling was exposed as grounded in numerous unfounded assumptions.

The Times

Moreover, the plaintiff must make that showing through concrete proof: "[S]peculative" risks, "unfounded assumptions," and "unsupported statements" will not suffice.

Harvard University

Lawyers for Wilpon and Katz have derided and dismissed Picard's interpretation of the episode, saying it is just one example of his making unfounded assumptions and conclusions.

The New York Times - Sports

Co-authors catch the things you can't remove by yourself: your blind spots, your stylistic tics, your unfounded assumptions, your implicit biases, your inelegance, your vagueness.

The New York Times

"My Harvard Law School education taught me to know what to look for in a set of circumstances, how to put them together in a coherent way, and how to question myself to make sure I'm not making unfounded assumptions.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

But, as he relates here, it was an unfounded assumption.

Independent

They base themselves upon an unfounded assumption as to what basically constitutes contact with, and the perception of, the supernatural".

The New Yorker

Such sensationalism creates real damage as it reinforces an unfounded assumption that mosques across the UK are a problem in our society".

The Guardian

The Court’s apparent fear that following the Constitution in this case will provide petitioners a “windfall” in the amount of transaction costs saved is based on the unfounded assumption that the State must return the interest directly to petitioners.

Cornell University

In dissent, Justice Kagan wrote that she was confident that "the majority's decision — founded as it is on an unfounded assumption — would have no real-world meaning or application".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, specify who is making the "unfounded assumptions" and what the potential consequences are.

Common error

Avoid using "unfounded assumptions" as a general insult or dismissal. This weakens your argument. Instead, identify the specific assumptions and explain their flaws.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfounded assumptions" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As shown in Ludwig, it often describes the basis for flawed reasoning, decisions, or policies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

36%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unfounded assumptions" is commonly used to critique claims lacking evidence across various fields, especially in news, science, and academia. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. When using this phrase, ensure that the lack of foundation is clearly articulated with supporting reasons. Alternatives such as "baseless presumptions" or "unsubstantiated claims" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. By understanding its function and usage, one can effectively communicate critiques based on reason and evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Baseless presumptions

Focuses on the lack of a foundation or evidence for the assumptions being made.

Groundless suppositions

Emphasizes that the suppositions have no real basis or justification.

Unsupported conjectures

Highlights that the conjectures are not backed by any evidence or proof.

Unsubstantiated claims

Directly points out that the claims lack the necessary evidence to be considered valid.

Unverified hypotheses

Stresses that the hypotheses have not been tested or proven.

Untenable beliefs

Indicates that the beliefs cannot be defended or maintained due to a lack of logical or factual support.

Indefensible notions

Suggests that the notions are impossible to justify or defend.

Speculative assertions

Highlights the speculative and unproven nature of the assertions.

Dubious assumptions

Implies that the assumptions are questionable and unlikely to be true.

Questionable premises

Indicates that the premises are doubtful and not reliable as a basis for reasoning.

FAQs

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

You can use "unfounded assumptions" to critique arguments or decisions that are based on claims lacking evidence. For example, "The project's failure was due to "unfounded assumptions" about market demand."

What are some alternatives to "unfounded assumptions"?

Alternatives include "baseless presumptions", "groundless suppositions", or "unsubstantiated claims", which all convey a similar meaning of lacking a factual basis.

Is it better to say "unfounded assumptions" or "false assumptions"?

"Unfounded assumptions" emphasizes the lack of evidence or basis, while "false assumptions" highlights that the assumptions are incorrect. The better choice depends on whether you want to focus on the lack of support or the incorrectness of the assumption.

What's the difference between "unfounded assumptions" and "assumptions"?

"Assumptions" are simply things that are accepted as true without proof. "Unfounded assumptions", in contrast, are assumptions that lack a solid basis or justification, implying they are likely to be incorrect or unreliable.