General premise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "General premise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the foundational idea or assumption that underlies a theory, argument, or concept. Example: "The general premise of the study is that increased physical activity leads to improved mental health outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

But was the general premise behind Ljubicic's rhetorical question accurate?

The New York Times

We've kind of given away the general premise, which may have been a mistake.

The New York Times

What is the general premise and story line of the movie?

The New York Times

"Juries acquit because of the general premise that police officers are always acting in the right," he said.

The New York Times

Doesn't Buffett's experience suggest, contrary to Paulos's general premise, that the market is more than a lottery?

The New York Times - Books

I surely agree with Rosario A. Iaconis's general premise that Italian-Americans may constitute the "least respected members of America's ethnic pantheon" ("Ethnic Stereotyping," letter, Jan . 31.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

For Aristotle, the general premises of scientific explanations are generalizations that describe commensurately universal properties of things of a subject kind, K. Merely universal properties are ones that everything of kind K has but could be without and remain a thing of that kind, just as every Honda might have Michelin tires.

SEP

Two general premises characterize the approach of the human-factors engineer in practical design work.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He felt that inductive reasoning provided the general premises upon which deduction had to be based and that deduction resulted in generalizations or laws which then had to be tested by inductive procedures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Aristotle's general premises were definitional, necessarily, whereas Hempel's were not.

SEP

Following a description of the basic geometries and general premises the approaches, assumptions and simplifications for the calculation of ohmic resistance, convective, conductive and radiative heat transfer are given.

Journal of Power Sources

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a complex topic, clearly state the "general premise" to provide readers with a foundational understanding. This helps them grasp the subsequent details more effectively.

Common error

Avoid presenting specific examples or data points as the "general premise". The "general premise" should be a broad, overarching concept, not a narrow or isolated observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general premise" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig examples show it introducing fundamental assumptions or concepts underlying arguments, theories, or situations. Ludwig AI indicates its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "general premise" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that introduces foundational assumptions or concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various writing contexts. The phrase's primary purpose is to establish a basis for deeper analysis. It sees frequent usage in news, media, science, and encyclopedic entries and is generally formal to neutral. Alternatives include "basic assumption" and "underlying principle". Remember that a clear "general premise" is useful for a clear message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Basic assumption

Focuses on the foundational nature of the premise as something assumed to be true.

Underlying principle

Highlights the fundamental rule or belief that supports a line of reasoning.

Core concept

Emphasizes the central idea or notion at the heart of a theory or argument.

Fundamental proposition

Stresses the assertive nature of the premise as a statement put forward for consideration.

Initial hypothesis

Implies the premise is a starting point for investigation or testing.

Starting point

Highlights that the premise is the initial foundation upon which something is built.

Central tenet

Emphasizes the premise as a key belief or doctrine held by a particular group.

Overarching idea

Highlights that the premise provides a comprehensive or all-encompassing perspective.

Key assumption

Underscores the importance of the premise as a crucial element in a particular context.

Underlying assumption

Highlights that the premise is not explicitly stated but is taken for granted.

FAQs

How can I use "general premise" in a sentence?

You can use "general premise" to introduce the main idea or assumption behind an argument, theory, or concept. For example: "The "general premise" of this study is that early intervention leads to better outcomes."

What are some alternatives to "general premise"?

Some alternatives include "basic assumption", "underlying principle", or "core concept". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "general premise" or "overall premise"?

"General premise" and "overall premise" are similar, but "general premise" is more commonly used. "Overall premise" can be suitable when emphasizing a comprehensive view.

What's the difference between a "general premise" and a specific argument?

A "general premise" is a broad, foundational statement, while a specific argument is a particular claim or point that supports or elaborates on that premise. The "general premise" provides the basis for developing specific arguments.