This presupposes that
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Use this to highlight a necessary condition that must exist for an argument to make sense.
15秒了解
- Identifies a hidden assumption required for a statement to be true.
- Signals high-level critical thinking and logical analysis.
- Best used in academic, legal, or professional debates.
意思
This phrase is used to point out a hidden requirement or assumption. It means that for the current statement to be true, something else must have already happened or be true first.
关键例句
3 / 6In a strategy meeting
Our plan to expand presupposes that the market will remain stable next year.
Our plan to expand assumes the market will stay stable.
Discussing a movie's plot
The hero's journey presupposes that he actually wants to save the world.
The story assumes the hero has the motivation to save the world.
A formal debate on technology
The move to digital currency presupposes that everyone has reliable internet access.
Going digital requires that everyone has internet.
文化背景
The term is deeply rooted in analytical philosophy and linguistic pragmatics. It gained prominence through the works of philosophers like Gottlob Frege and Bertrand Russell, who studied how sentences carry hidden meanings. In modern English, using it signals that you possess a high level of education and a logical mindset.
Sound Like an Expert
Use this phrase when you want to gently point out a flaw in someone's logic without being aggressive.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like a philosophy professor who lost their way to the classroom.
15秒了解
- Identifies a hidden assumption required for a statement to be true.
- Signals high-level critical thinking and logical analysis.
- Best used in academic, legal, or professional debates.
What It Means
Think of this presupposes that as a way to look behind a curtain. You are saying, "Wait, for your idea to work, we are already assuming X is true." It is like saying a cake requires an oven. If you talk about baking, you presuppose an oven exists. It identifies the foundation of an argument.
How To Use It
Use it to challenge or clarify a logic path. You usually start with a statement you just heard. Then follow with this presupposes that plus the hidden requirement. It sounds very smart and analytical. It helps you dig deeper into why people think what they think. It is a scalpel for conversation.
When To Use It
You will mostly use this in serious discussions. Think of university seminars or high-level business meetings. It is great when you want to sound precise. Use it when someone makes a big claim without proof. It works well in written essays too. It shows you are thinking three steps ahead of everyone else.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a loud birthday party. Your friends might think you are acting like a textbook. Avoid it during a heated emotional argument with a partner. It can feel a bit cold or robotic. If you are just ordering a pizza, keep it simple. Don't say, "Ordering pepperoni presupposes that I enjoy meat."
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the world of formal logic and philosophy. English speakers use it to signal "Critical Thinking." In Western academic culture, questioning assumptions is highly valued. It shows you aren't just listening; you are deconstructing. It became popular in legal and scientific circles first. Now, it is the mark of a polished, C2-level speaker.
Common Variations
If this feels too heavy, try this assumes that. For a more casual vibe, use this takes for granted that. In a legal setting, you might hear this is predicated on. If you want to be punchy, try this implies. Each one shifts the weight of the sentence slightly. Presupposes remains the king of formal logic.
使用说明
This is a high-register expression. It is perfect for C2-level proficiency exams or professional writing, but use it sparingly in spoken conversation to avoid sounding pretentious.
Sound Like an Expert
Use this phrase when you want to gently point out a flaw in someone's logic without being aggressive.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like a philosophy professor who lost their way to the classroom.
The 'Intellectual' Signal
In English-speaking cultures, this phrase is a 'shibboleth'—a word that signals you are part of an educated or intellectual group.
例句
6Our plan to expand presupposes that the market will remain stable next year.
Our plan to expand assumes the market will stay stable.
Points out a risk factor in a business strategy.
The hero's journey presupposes that he actually wants to save the world.
The story assumes the hero has the motivation to save the world.
Analyzes the character's underlying motivations.
The move to digital currency presupposes that everyone has reliable internet access.
Going digital requires that everyone has internet.
Highlights a logistical requirement for a policy.
Going to the beach presupposes that you actually fixed your car, right?
We can't go to the beach unless your car is fixed.
Uses formal language for a slightly sarcastic or humorous effect.
Forgiving you presupposes that you are actually sorry for what happened.
I can only forgive you if you are truly sorry.
Sets a necessary emotional condition.
This theory presupposes that the documents found in the cave are authentic.
The theory only works if the documents are real.
Standard use in scholarly research.
自我测试
Choose the best word to complete the logical critique.
Your argument for a shorter work week ___ that productivity will stay the same.
The speaker is identifying a hidden assumption (productivity staying the same) necessary for the argument to work.
Select the phrase that fits a formal academic tone.
The study of ancient scripts ___ a deep knowledge of linguistics.
In a formal context, 'presupposes' is the most precise way to indicate a required foundational knowledge.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality Spectrum of 'Assuming'
Used with friends
This assumes...
Standard workplace
This takes for granted that...
Academic/Legal
This presupposes that...
Where to use 'This presupposes that'
Boardroom
Questioning a budget.
University
Critiquing a thesis.
Legal
Challenging a witness.
Editorial
Writing an opinion piece.
常见问题
10 个问题They are very close, but presupposes is more formal and implies a logical necessity. If A presupposes B, then A cannot exist without B.
Only if you are being ironic or talking about something very serious. Otherwise, it will look out of place.
Usually, yes. You can also say this presupposes a certain level of... followed by a noun, but that is more common for full ideas.
It is not rude, but it is very direct. It forces the other person to defend their underlying assumptions.
The noun form is presupposition. For example: 'Your argument is based on a false presupposition.'
It is used in both! It is a standard term in global academic and professional English.
Yes, This presupposes that... is a very common way to begin a critical response to a previous point.
You can say This only works if... or This depends on... for a more casual tone.
Constantly. Scientists use it to discuss the conditions required for an experiment or theory to be valid.
You can, like His behavior presupposes that he is in charge. It describes the mindset behind their actions.
相关表达
Takes for granted
To assume something is true without questioning it.
Contingent upon
Depending on something else to happen first.
Predicated on
Based or founded on a specific idea or fact.
Underlying assumption
The hidden belief that supports an argument.
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