make an assumption

Meaning

To accept something as true or certain to happen, even without definitive proof. In academic contexts, researchers must explicitly state when they make an assumption so readers can evaluate the validity of their subsequent arguments or models.

Examples

• It is dangerous to make an assumption about the results before the experiment is complete.

  It is dangerous to make an assumption about the results before the experiment is complete.

• In economic models, scientists often make an assumption that consumers behave rationally.

  In economic models, scientists often make an assumption that consumers behave rationally.

• We should not make an assumption that all participants had the same educational background.

  We should not make an assumption that all participants had the same educational background.

• The author seems to make an assumption that technology always improves productivity.

  The author seems to make an assumption that technology always improves productivity.

• Before starting the analysis, we must make an assumption regarding the population distribution.

  Before starting the analysis, we must make an assumption regarding the population distribution.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The researchers took an assumption that the data was correct.

  ✓ The researchers made an assumption that the data was correct.

  The correct verb collocation is 'make an assumption', not 'take an assumption'.

• ✗ Please do not do assumptions without looking at the evidence.

  ✓ Please do not make assumptions without looking at the evidence.

  Use 'make' instead of 'do' when forming assumptions or premises.

Related Expressions

Practice

• It is easy to ___ about a culture based on a single brief visit.

  💡 This means to believe something without proof.

  Show answer

  make an assumption

• In this study, we must ___ that the sample size is representative.

  💡 The verb is 'make' and it is followed by an indefinite article.

  Show answer

  make an assumption