we were assuming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were assuming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a belief or expectation that was held in the past regarding a situation or outcome. Example: "At the beginning of the project, we were assuming that the timeline would be manageable, but we soon realized it would take longer than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Again, we were assuming ubiquity.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We were assuming people would buy it whether things were labeled or not.

The New York Times - Arts

"Nobody had any idea of the liability we were assuming for the government," Mr. Blunt recalled in an interview.

The New York Times

We were assuming a 10% chance of success, and had not included any sales in our profit and loss.

The Guardian - Business

"We were assuming other things might happen," he said at one of his briefings, where he wore a cap with the insignia of his Office of Emergency Management, whose bunker was destroyed in the collapse of the World Trade Center.

The New York Times

"We were assuming that even if we didn't include the McDonald's logo and even if the model was a beautiful caucasian just those colours of the mnemonic design would wake up people's association with McDonald's". "The important point is we didn't change Ronald himself - we played around with his costume". "The customers are calling her the female Ronald but that was not our intention," Kazoo said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

We're assuming — let us know.

The New Yorker

Again, we're assuming that these are their real payoffs.

Yale University

"We're assuming it's one of those boys.

The New York Times

So we're assuming four is the minimum.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We're assuming she'd be the one.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the tense. "We were assuming" implies a past assumption that may or may not still be valid. Use "we are assuming" for current assumptions.

Common error

Avoid using "we were assuming" without providing any rationale or evidence for the assumption. This can weaken your argument and make it seem arbitrary. Always explain why the assumption was reasonable at the time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were assuming" functions as a statement indicating a past belief or supposition. This phrase typically introduces an explanation of a prior expectation or understanding, which may or may not have been accurate. As Ludwig AI explains, this expression is grammatically sound and used across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were assuming" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a past belief or supposition. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. It's typically employed to provide context for actions or decisions, explaining the rationale behind them. While its register is generally neutral, the specific tone depends on the surrounding context. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide sufficient context and rationale for the assumption to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "we presumed" or "we supposed" for a more formal tone. This phrase appears most frequently in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science" sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we presumed

Replaces "assuming" with a more formal synonym, "presumed", indicating a belief based on probability or reasonable evidence.

we had supposed

Uses "supposed" to convey a less firm belief than "assuming", suggesting a tentative expectation.

we believed

Indicates a firm conviction or acceptance of something as true in the past.

we took for granted

Suggests that something was accepted without question or proof.

we had anticipated

Emphasizes expecting something to happen, often based on prior knowledge or experience.

we envisioned

Focuses on creating a mental image of a future possibility.

we were under the impression

Indicates a mistaken belief or understanding about something.

it was our understanding

Highlights the understanding or interpretation of information at a certain point in time.

we had reckoned

Uses "reckoned" as a slightly old-fashioned way of saying "assumed" or "calculated."

we operated on the basis

Emphasizes that actions or decisions were made based on a specific assumption or principle.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we were assuming" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "we presumed", "it was our understanding", or "we had supposed depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "we were assuming" and "we assumed"?

While both phrases refer to a past assumption, "we were assuming" suggests a continuous action or state in the past, while "we assumed" indicates a single, completed action. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the duration of the assumption.

When is it appropriate to use "we were assuming" in a report or presentation?

Use "we were assuming" when explaining the basis for past decisions or predictions, especially when those assumptions later proved to be incorrect or incomplete. It's important to be transparent about the assumptions that influenced your work.

What are some less common alternatives to "we were assuming"?

Some less common, but still valid, alternatives include "we had reckoned" or "we operated on the basis". These phrases can add variety to your writing, but ensure they fit the context and tone.