we shall assume

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we shall assume" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when stating a premise or condition that will be accepted as true for the purpose of discussion or analysis. Example: "For the sake of this argument, we shall assume that all participants have equal access to resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We need four tricks, and we shall assume that the suit does not split 5-0.

The New York Times - Arts

We shall assume that the foregoing issue was one of those litigated.

Harvard University

Plaintiff denies the order to stop, but for the purpose of the case we shall assume that defendant is correct.

Harvard University

In discussing the legal issue we shall assume that such a combination or conspiracy to monopolize has been established.

Cornell University

From now on, we shall assume television to be a closed and self-contained system, the great world snake called Ouroboros, whose tail rested in his mouth.

The New Yorker

For the purposes of this opinion, we shall assume, therefore, that an actual exclusion of competitors by the petitioners was not claimed or established by the prosecution.

Cornell University

For a new work to be created, the expected return—typically, and we shall assume exclusively, from the sale of copies—must exceed the expected cost.

Harvard University

While we shall assume a uniform discretization in range, the interior depth discretization (i.e. in the water column) may be nonuniform, and we shall discuss strategies for the "best exterior discretization" (i.e. in the sea bottom).

Journal of Computational Physics

Let G="(V,E) be a simple graph, and for all v∈V, let L v) be a list of colors assigned to v. We shall assume throughout that the colors are natural numbers.

Theoretical Computer Science

For this, we shall assume the following conditions throughout.

Boundary Value Problems

We shall assume henceforth that this condition holdsj.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we shall assume", clearly state the reason for making the assumption and any limitations it might impose on your conclusions.

Common error

Avoid using "we shall assume" to introduce statements that are not plausible or lack supporting evidence. Always ensure that the assumption is reasonable within the given context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we shall assume" functions as a modal verb phrase used to introduce a premise or condition that the speaker or writer proposes to accept as true. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It serves to set a foundation for reasoning, calculations, or arguments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

Academia

35%

News & Media

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we shall assume" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce a premise taken as true for the sake of discussion. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase sees prominent usage in academic and scientific writing to clearly state the foundational assumptions driving an argument or analysis. While effective, it is crucial to justify these assumptions and acknowledge potential limitations. For less formal contexts, alternatives like "let's suppose" or "we will presume" may be suitable. Remembering this will help you use “we shall assume” with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let's suppose

This alternative directly suggests making a supposition for the purpose of reasoning.

we will presume

This suggests a legal or formal context for the assumption.

for the sake of argument, let's say

This explicitly frames the assumption as part of a debate or discussion.

let us posit

This is more formal and academic, suggesting a theoretical starting point.

we take it for granted that

This implies the assumption is so basic it doesn't require further justification.

we will take as a premise

This positions the assumption as a foundational element in a logical argument.

we stipulate that

This suggests a formal agreement to accept something as true.

assume for the moment

This emphasizes the temporary nature of the assumption.

granting that

This concedes a point for the sake of moving forward with the discussion.

supposing that

This introduces a hypothetical condition as the basis for reasoning.

FAQs

How can I use "we shall assume" in a research paper?

In academic writing, "we shall assume" is used to introduce a premise taken as true for the purpose of argument or calculation. Always justify why the assumption is reasonable within the scope of your research.

What are some alternatives to "we shall assume"?

You can use alternatives like "let's suppose", "we will presume", or "let us posit" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "we shall assume" or "we will assume"?

"We shall assume" is generally considered more formal and is often found in academic and legal writing. "We will assume" is acceptable, but slightly less formal.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "we shall assume"?

Avoid using "we shall assume" if the assumption is highly improbable or contradicts established facts without providing a strong justification. It should be used when the assumption simplifies the problem or clarifies the argument.