Assuming without proof

The idea

Use assume with a noun or a clause, optionally introduced by that.

Examples

• I assumed the shop was open.
• We assumed that the bus was late.
• Do not assume that everyone agrees.
• The team assumed the key was inside.
• She assumed a mistake in the report.
• Until we check, we can only assume.

Watch out

An assumption is not proof: assume does not mean know.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct form. I ___ the meeting was cancelled, but I had not checked. (assumed / proved)

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   assumed

   assumed fits a belief held without checking.

2. Choose the correct form. They assumed ___ the door was locked. (that / to)

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   that

   that introduces what they believed.

3. Choose the correct form. Without evidence, do not ___ the answer. (assume / assumes)

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   assume

   assume is the base form after do not.

Use it today

Describe something you assumed and how you could check it.