Inferring from available clues

The idea

Presumably signals what the speaker assumes is likely from what is known. It can start a sentence or appear within one.

Examples

• The gate is locked, so presumably the museum is closed.
• Presumably, the parcels arrived while we were out.
• The lights are on; presumably someone is working late.
• The river has risen, presumably because of the rain.
• The guests will presumably need a lift from the station.
• Presumably, this key opens the garden shed.

Watch out

Do not treat presumably as proof: the assumption can turn out wrong.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the word for a reasoned assumption. The desk is empty; ___, its owner is away. (presumably / twice)

   Show answer or example answer

   presumably

   presumably fits the inference from the empty desk.

2. Choose the word for a reasoned assumption. The ferry is late, ___ because of the fog. (presumably / loudly)

   Show answer or example answer

   presumably

   presumably connects the delay with a likely cause.

3. Choose the word for a reasoned assumption. ___, the missing box is in storage, but we should check. (Presumably / Yesterday)

   Show answer or example answer

   presumably

   presumably leaves the conclusion open to correction.

Use it today

Make an assumption from a clue you can see.