which presupposes that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which presupposes that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a statement or idea is based on an assumption or condition that must be accepted as true for the argument to hold. Example: "The theory is built on a framework which presupposes that all individuals act rationally in their decision-making."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

However, the unreflexive part of 'blind faith' sits in contradistinction with Luhmann's theory of trust [ 64], which presupposes that trust is built on experience and familiarity.

BMC Health Services Research

The industry's current safety standards are based on a "thermal standard," which presupposes that radio frequency radiation too low to heat tissue is, by definition, safe.

The New York Times

When he sees the desperate conditions in which construction labourers in Bangalore live, he asks how long it would take to turn them into software engineers – a question which presupposes that they will turn into engineers and that India's transformation into an egalitarian society is somehow inevitable.

The Guardian - Books

Yet here they are demanding intervention a policy which presupposes that governments (a) know what the exchange rate should be, and (b) can get their way by signalling that knowledge to the markets.If intervention to correct currency misalignments is feasible, then the case for exchange-rate targets is stronger.

The Economist

In isotropic conditions, generalised expressions for the coefficient of lateral earth pressure and horizontal in situ stresses can be adopted (Sheorey et al. 2001), which presupposes that (E_{text{v}} = E_{text{h}}).

Petroleum Science

Philosophy in his view must be inspired by the Socratic practice of inquiry, and this practice amounts to the continuous search for truth, which presupposes that, following the example of Socrates, one admits ignorance (Adv. Col. 1117D, De adulatore et amico 72A).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But that clashed with NATO enlargement, which presupposed that Russia was a threat.

The Economist

But that's unlikely to deter the sponsors of English-only measures, which presuppose that recent immigrants have resisted assimilation.

The New York Times - Books

"There was nothing in the young man's life which presupposed that he might be in be in—" "Of course not.

The New Yorker

The global economic slump, combined with a pricing model which presupposed that an African World Cup could be as lucrative as a European one, left Fifa scrambling to avoid embarrassment.

The Guardian - Sport

Arguments against God's justice, such as those we see in Babylon, are not arguments against his existence: they are arguments about his character, which presuppose that he has one.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which presupposes that" to clearly indicate that a statement relies on a foundational assumption. This helps make your reasoning transparent to the reader.

Common error

Avoid overly complex sentence structures by ensuring the main clause remains active and clear. Instead of "A conclusion which presupposes that certain conditions are met was reached", try "The conclusion presupposes that certain conditions are met."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which presupposes that" functions as a relative clause introducing an assumption or precondition necessary for the main clause to be valid. This grammatical function is evident in various examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which presupposes that" is a useful phrase for explicitly stating an assumption or precondition upon which a statement depends. It functions as a relative clause, adding essential clarification to your writing. While grammatically sound, it's most commonly found in formal writing, especially in scientific and academic contexts, as exemplified by Ludwig. To enhance clarity, consider using alternative phrases like ""which assumes that"" or ""which implies that"" for different nuances. It is crucial to ensure your sentences remain active and clear, avoiding overly complex structures that can obscure your intended meaning. Ludwig AI also confirms its usability and relevance in diverse professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which assumes that

Emphasizes the act of taking something for granted without necessarily having evidence.

which implies that

Highlights the suggestion of something without explicitly stating it.

which takes for granted that

Focuses on the idea that something is accepted as true or certain to happen, without proof.

which postulates that

Indicates that something is suggested or assumed as the basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief.

which operates on the assumption that

Highlights that a process or system functions based on an unverified belief.

which is predicated on the idea that

Shows that something is based on or depends on a particular idea or belief.

which is founded on the principle that

Suggests that something is established on a basic truth or law.

which proceeds from the notion that

Indicates that something starts from a particular concept or belief.

which starts from the premise that

Highlights that an argument or theory begins with a specific statement assumed to be true.

which hinges on the belief that

Focuses on the point that something depends critically on a specific conviction.

FAQs

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

Use "which presupposes that" to introduce an underlying assumption or condition upon which a statement or idea is based. For example, "The economic model, "which presupposes that" all actors are rational, fails to account for emotional decision-making."

What are some alternatives to "which presupposes that"?

Alternatives include "which assumes that", "which implies that", or "which takes for granted that". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "that presupposes" or "which presupposes"?

While both can be grammatically correct, "which presupposes" is typically used in nonrestrictive clauses, providing additional, non-essential information. "That presupposes" is used in restrictive clauses, which are essential to the meaning of the sentence.

What's the difference between "presupposes" and "assumes"?

"Presupposes" often implies a deeper, perhaps unconscious, assumption, while "assumes" suggests a more conscious and deliberate acceptance of something as true. For example, "The argument "which presupposes that" human nature is inherently good may be flawed" carries a different weight than "The argument "which assumes that" human nature is inherently good may be flawed".