In 15 Seconds
- Identifies a hidden premise or requirement in an argument.
- Used to clarify logic in professional or academic settings.
- Helps you challenge ideas politely and analytically.
Meaning
This phrase is used to point out a hidden belief or a starting point that someone is taking for granted. It helps you uncover the 'if' behind an argument before you decide if you agree with it.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a strategy meeting
This assumes that our customers prefer quality over a low price.
This assumes that our customers prefer quality over a low price.
Discussing travel plans
This assumes that the border will actually be open by June.
This assumes that the border will actually be open by June.
Debating a new law
This assumes that people will follow the rules without any enforcement.
This assumes that people will follow the rules without any enforcement.
Cultural Background
In American business culture, 'This assumes that' is seen as a sign of 'due diligence.' It is encouraged to 'poke holes' in a plan to make it stronger. The British often use this phrase with 'understatement' or a touch of irony to point out a glaring flaw politely. German communication is highly direct. Using 'This assumes that' (Dies setzt voraus, dass) is seen as a necessary part of technical and logical precision. Directly pointing out an assumption can be seen as aggressive. A Japanese speaker might use a softer, more indirect way to imply the same thing, such as 'If we consider the possibility that...'
The 'Socratic' Power
Use this phrase to win arguments without being aggressive. You aren't saying they are wrong; you are just asking them to prove their assumption.
Don't Overuse
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like a philosophy textbook. Use it only for the most important logical points.
In 15 Seconds
- Identifies a hidden premise or requirement in an argument.
- Used to clarify logic in professional or academic settings.
- Helps you challenge ideas politely and analytically.
What It Means
This assumes that is a tool for intellectual detective work. It identifies the foundation of an idea. When you use it, you are saying, 'Wait, for your statement to be true, something else must also be true.' It is about finding the invisible logic. You are looking for the 'hidden ingredient' in someone's recipe for an argument.
How To Use It
Use it to challenge or clarify a point without being aggressive. Follow the phrase with a specific condition or premise. For example, if someone says 'Let's buy a boat,' you might say, This assumes that we have a place to park it. It works best when you want to slow down a conversation. It shifts the focus from the conclusion to the logic behind it. It makes you sound very analytical and sharp.
When To Use It
You will sound great using this in business meetings or academic debates. It is perfect for when a friend makes a huge generalization. Use it when you want to be the 'voice of reason' in the room. It is also helpful when planning complex projects with many moving parts. It helps prevent mistakes by checking the facts first.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this during highly emotional or romantic moments. If your partner says 'I love you,' do not reply with This assumes that I am capable of love. That is a fast track to an argument! Also, skip it in very casual slang-heavy chats. It can sound a bit 'professor-like' if you use it while buying a coffee. Don't use it if the assumption is already obvious to everyone.
Cultural Background
Western logic and critical thinking value the 'Socratic method.' This involves questioning every premise. In English-speaking professional cultures, challenging an idea is often seen as helpful, not rude. This phrase allows for 'constructive friction.' It shows you are engaged and thinking deeply. It reflects a culture that prizes data and logical consistency over just following authority.
Common Variations
This takes for granted that(slightly more critical)This is based on the premise that(very formal)You're assuming that(more direct and personal)This hinges on the idea that(emphasizes dependency)
Usage Notes
This phrase sits in the C2 level because it requires an understanding of logical structures. It is most common in professional, academic, and high-level journalistic contexts.
The 'Socratic' Power
Use this phrase to win arguments without being aggressive. You aren't saying they are wrong; you are just asking them to prove their assumption.
Don't Overuse
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like a philosophy textbook. Use it only for the most important logical points.
Face-Saving
In some cultures, try 'I wonder if this assumes...' to make it sound like a shared question rather than a direct challenge.
Examples
6This assumes that our customers prefer quality over a low price.
This assumes that our customers prefer quality over a low price.
Points out a fundamental marketing belief being used.
This assumes that the border will actually be open by June.
This assumes that the border will actually be open by June.
Highlights a necessary condition for the plan to work.
This assumes that people will follow the rules without any enforcement.
This assumes that people will follow the rules without any enforcement.
Challenges the effectiveness of a proposal.
This assumes that Sarah is even invited, which she isn't!
This assumes that Sarah is even invited, which she isn't!
Uses logic to point out a social error.
Your plan to wake up at 5 AM assumes that you'll actually go to bed before midnight.
Your plan to wake up at 5 AM assumes that you'll actually go to bed before midnight.
Playfully pointing out a friend's unrealistic habits.
Moving in together assumes that we are both ready for that level of commitment.
Moving in together assumes that we are both ready for that level of commitment.
Discussing the weight of a major life decision.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
The plan to move the office to London is great, but ________ we can find affordable space.
The standard form requires 'that' followed by a full clause.
Which sentence uses the phrase most appropriately for a C2 level?
Identify the most sophisticated usage:
This sentence uses the phrase to deconstruct a complex economic theory, which is a hallmark of C2 usage.
Match the statement with its hidden assumption.
Connect the logic:
Each statement relies on a specific prerequisite to be true.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: 'Our new AI will replace all human customer service agents.' B: '____________________________________________________'
This response identifies a critical logical prerequisite for the AI's success.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesThe plan to move the office to London is great, but ________ we can find affordable space.
The standard form requires 'that' followed by a full clause.
Identify the most sophisticated usage:
This sentence uses the phrase to deconstruct a complex economic theory, which is a hallmark of C2 usage.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each statement relies on a specific prerequisite to be true.
A: 'Our new AI will replace all human customer service agents.' B: '____________________________________________________'
This response identifies a critical logical prerequisite for the AI's success.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo. 'This means that' shows a consequence (A leads to B). 'This assumes that' shows a requirement (A needs B to be true first).
Yes, it's very professional. It shows you are thinking deeply about the risks and requirements of a project.
In formal writing, yes. In casual speech, you can say 'This assumes we have time,' but 'This assumes that we have time' is better for learners.
'Presuppose' is even more formal and often implies that the condition is absolutely necessary for the statement to even make sense.
In English-speaking academic and business contexts, it's usually seen as helpful and analytical, not rude.
Related Phrases
This presupposes that
synonymTo require as a prior condition.
This hinges on
similarTo depend entirely on something.
This takes for granted that
similarTo fail to appreciate or to assume without questioning.
This is predicated on
specialized formTo base something on a specific foundation.
