10 Ways to State an Assumption
Making assumptions is part of everyday communication—whether you’re planning, problem-solving, or just guessing what someone means. But in English, how you phrase an assumption matters. These 10 ways to state an assumption help you sound thoughtful, not pushy. Use them to share guesses, set context, or clarify thinking—while staying open to being corrected.
Common Ways to Say ‘I Assume That…’
Polite & Tentative
- I assume that… Neutral and widely used—implies you believe something is true unless told otherwise. I assume that the meeting is still at 3 PM?
- I’m guessing that… Casual and humble—shows you’re not certain. I’m guessing that she’ll be late again—it’s rush hour.
- It seems like… Based on observation, not fact—gentle and common. It seems like everyone’s already left for lunch.
- I take it that… Slightly formal but natural—often used when confirming implied info. You didn’t bring your laptop? I take it that you’re not presenting today.
Professional & Reasoned
- For the sake of this discussion, let’s assume that… Sets a temporary premise in meetings or debates. For the sake of this discussion, let’s assume that the budget is fixed.
- We’re operating under the assumption that… Common in business, science, or project planning. We’re operating under the assumption that the client will approve the design by Friday.
- Unless I’m mistaken,… Shows humility while stating a belief. Unless I’m mistaken, the deadline was extended last week.
Casual & Conversational
- You probably think that… Used to anticipate someone else’s assumption. You probably think that I forgot—but I didn’t!
- I figured you’d… Informal and often used with friends or family. I figured you’d want the window seat, so I saved it.
- Most people would assume that… Generalizes gently—useful for softening a statement. Most people would assume that this app is free, but it’s not.
Real-Life Dialogues
Colleague: Should we book the conference room for Thursday?
You: I assume that it’s available—unless I’m mistaken, no one’s using it.
Colleague: We’re operating under the assumption that the team will be onsite that day, right?
Friend: Why’d you bring an umbrella?
You: I figured you’d forget yours—it seems like rain any minute!
Friend: You’re the best!
Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Phrase
| Situation | Recommended Expression | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Work email or meeting | We’re operating under the assumption that… | Professional, clear, and shows team alignment. |
| Casual guess with a friend | I figured you’d… | Warm, personal, and sounds natural in spoken English. |
| Softening a potentially wrong statement | Unless I’m mistaken… | Shows humility and invites correction politely. |
| Starting a hypothetical discussion | For the sake of this discussion, let’s assume that… | Creates a safe space to explore ideas without commitment. |
Practice Tip
Next time you’re planning something, try saying aloud: “I assume that…” or “It seems like…”—it helps you practice real-life reasoning in English!
Why This Matters
- Using these 10 ways to state an assumption helps you communicate ideas clearly while staying open-minded.
- It prevents sounding arrogant—because good English speakers signal when they’re guessing, not stating facts.
- These phrases are essential for teamwork, problem-solving, and natural-sounding conversations.
Stating assumptions isn’t about being right—it’s about thinking out loud with clarity and respect. Try using one of these 10 ways to state an assumption in your next conversation or email. You’ll sound more fluent, thoughtful, and collaborative. Happy learning! 😊
