working assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "working assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to make an assumption that goes beyond what is already known, but which can reasonably be acted upon until more tangible evidence is available. For example: "We don't have enough data to reach a conclusion yet, so our working assumption is that the program will be successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's the working assumption.

The Washington Post

My working assumption is that candor creates trust.

The New York Times

"This has been the working assumption for a long time".

The New York Times

"Somebody should have been saying, 'Let's assume we'll win.' That's our working assumption.

The New Yorker

But until I see otherwise, the working assumption will be that this is the reservoir species".

The New York Times

Already, under Obama, that was no longer the working assumption of US policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

But my working assumption is people should want to do the right thing.

The Washington Post

Their working assumption has long been that their grip on power depends on keeping people happy.

The Economist

In one sense, this is just practical proof of a working assumption.

Independent

Analysts' new working assumption is that a 6% margin might be possible come 2019.

The Guardian - Business

"This is our working assumption and we are preparing ourselves for it as best we can," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always be prepared to revisit your "working assumption" as new information emerges. Rigidity can lead to flawed decision-making. Regularly test its validity against new evidence.

Common error

One common error is treating a "working assumption" as an established fact without seeking validation. Be sure to actively look for evidence that either supports or contradicts the assumption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working assumption" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As seen in Ludwig examples, it introduces a premise that is temporarily accepted as true for the purpose of further reasoning or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "working assumption" is a valuable tool for navigating situations with incomplete information. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates a temporary belief accepted as true for the sake of progressing with a plan or argument. While "preliminary assumption" or "initial hypothesis" may serve as alternatives, the key is to acknowledge the inherent uncertainty and remain open to revising the assumption as new evidence emerges. Failing to validate a "working assumption" can lead to errors, so active validation is crucial. Ludwig's examples highlight the common use of this phrase in news, science, and business contexts, emphasizing its importance in reasoned decision-making across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assumed premise

Simple rephrasing of "working assumption" emphasizing the action of assuming something to be true.

preliminary assumption

Emphasizes the tentative nature of the assumption, suggesting it's subject to change.

initial hypothesis

Highlights the exploratory nature of the assumption, often used in research or investigation.

starting premise

Focuses on the foundational role of the assumption as a basis for reasoning or action.

tentative conclusion

Implies a provisional judgment based on available information, subject to revision.

provisional belief

Underscores the temporary nature of the belief, acknowledging it may be replaced by stronger evidence.

presumptive hypothesis

Indicates an assumption made in the absence of concrete proof, but considered likely.

basic expectation

Highlights a fundamental anticipation about future events or outcomes.

underlying assumption

Focuses on an implicit assumption that forms the basis of an argument or plan.

operational assumption

Highlights an assumption used for practical purposes, especially in planning and execution.

FAQs

How do you use "working assumption" in a sentence?

You can use "working assumption" to describe a belief accepted as true for the sake of argument or action. For example, "Our "working assumption" is that the project will be completed on time, but we need to monitor progress closely."

What's a good alternative to "working assumption"?

Alternatives include "preliminary assumption", "initial hypothesis", or "tentative conclusion", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the term "working assumption"?

It is appropriate to use "working assumption" when you need to proceed with a plan or decision based on incomplete information, acknowledging that the assumption may need to be revised later.

What's the difference between "working assumption" and "hypothesis"?

While both involve uncertainty, a "working assumption" is a pragmatic basis for action, whereas a "hypothesis" is a specific, testable prediction used in scientific inquiry.