The Guardian | March 15, 2023
"Investors presume interest rates will fall by summer, citing the Bank of England's latest economic forecasts."
Assume vs. Presume
The '30 Seconds' Difference At A Glance
To assume is to accept something without proof, often based on personal feeling or opinion. To presume is to accept something as true based on reasonable evidence or probability, even if there isn't absolute proof.
You assume your friend is angry because they haven't texted back, but you presume they're busy at work because you know they have a major deadline today.
A Deeper Look
While both words deal with accepting something as true, the key difference lies in how much evidence you have. When you assume something, you're making a guess based on your feelings or personal interpretation. There's usually no real evidence to back it up.
I assumed he didn't like the gift because he didn't smile much when opening it.
Don't assume I'm not interested just because I'm quiet.
To presume means you have some good reasons for what you think, even if you can't prove it completely. You're making an educated guess based on evidence.
We can presume it'll rain tomorrow because the forecast shows dark clouds.
Since she's won every race this season, we presume she'll win this one too.
Quick tip: When you aSSume, you make a gueSS (no evidence).
Common Usage Patterns
The choice between assume and presume often depends on the context:
Casual Situations
"I assume you're coming to the party?"
"Let's not assume the worst."
"I just assumed you knew."
Professional Settings
"I presume we're meeting at 2pm as scheduled."
"The court presumes innocence until guilt is proven."
"May I presume you've reviewed the proposal?"
Common Fixed Phrases
With assume: "assume responsibility", "assume control", "assume office"
With presume: "presume innocent", "wouldn't presume to", "presume dead"
What Teachers Say
"I tell my students to think of evidence. If you have some facts to support your belief, use 'presume'. If it's just a feeling, use 'assume'."
-- Sarah, London
"In formal writing, 'presume' often sounds more professional. Think of a judge saying 'presumed innocent' - it's based on legal principle."
-- Miguel, Madrid
"In business English, 'presume' is usually the safer choice. It suggests you've thought things through rather than jumping to conclusions."
-- Chen, Singapore
From The Headlines
The New York Times | January 8, 2022
"Many analysts wrongly assumed the tech sector would continue its downward trend, failing to spot key indicators of recovery."
BBC News | December 21, 2018
"Scientists presume the newly discovered species is related to modern birds, based on skeletal similarities."
Test Yourself!
1. I haven't heard from him all day, so I _______ he's mad at me.
2. Based on the tracking information, we _______ the package will arrive tomorrow.
3. I wouldn't _______ to tell you how to do your job, but have you considered this approach?
