a basic assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing foundational beliefs or premises that are taken for granted in a particular context or argument. Example: "In our research, we started with a basic assumption that all participants would respond honestly to the survey questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This has often led to a basic assumption that LGBT residents are somehow synonymous with economic growth.

The Guardian

This plotline turns on a basic assumption about translators: that we are neutral conduits for someone else's meaning.

The New Yorker

This doesn't mesh well with a basic assumption of CBT – that, with training, we can learn to catch most of our unhelpful mental responses in the act.

The Guardian

Up until the 1930s it had been a basic assumption of Birmingham's leaders that their role was to encourage the city's growth.

The Economist

At risk had been a basic assumption used in takeovers the world over, and also, for the British mobile telecoms firm, at least a couple of billion dollars.

The Economist

No one worried too much about whether the rule was accurate — it was a catchy way of expressing a basic assumption about corporate layoffs: downsizing is an easy way to make Wall Street happy.

The New Yorker

Ali Catterall This Martin Scorsese-prodocumentaryentary questions a basic assumption of our times: that "progress", in the form of greater efficiency and technological advancement, really represents the way forward for mankind, as opposed to a retrograde step.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For if it turns out that animals can think, then the idea that consciousness is unique to humans -- a basic assumption in Western thought since Descartes -- becomes impossible to maintain.

The New York Times - Arts

We first make a basic assumption on the reduced problem.

Boundary Value Problems

"A basic assumption about investing is that you have to have law and order".

Forbes

This has long been a basic assumption in welfare economics and might seem completely uncontroversial.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a basic assumption", clearly articulate it to ensure your audience understands the foundation upon which your argument or analysis is built. This provides clarity and avoids potential misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid leaving "a basic assumption" implicit. Failing to explicitly state your assumptions can lead to confusion and weaken your argument, as readers may not share the same underlying beliefs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic assumption" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its usage is grammatically correct. Examples show it introduces foundational ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basic assumption" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that introduces a fundamental premise or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in various contexts, particularly in science, news, and business. When using this phrase, ensure that the assumption is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "a fundamental premise" or "a core belief" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Recognizing and articulating these underlying assumptions is crucial for clear communication and sound reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental premise

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the assumption, highlighting its role as a basis for reasoning.

a core belief

Focuses on the deeply held conviction aspect of the assumption.

a primary tenet

Highlights the principle or doctrine aspect of the assumption, especially in a belief system or theory.

an underlying principle

Stresses that the assumption is a foundational rule or guideline that supports a system or argument.

a starting point

Indicates that the assumption serves as the initial basis for further reasoning or investigation.

a working hypothesis

Suggests that the assumption is used as a provisional explanation that requires further testing or validation.

a given fact

Presents the assumption as something accepted as true without proof.

a presupposition

Highlights the idea that the assumption is taken for granted before further analysis or discussion.

a foundational idea

Focuses on the assumption as a building block upon which other concepts are developed.

a central axiom

Emphasizes that the assumption is a self-evident truth or starting point for a logical system.

FAQs

How can I use "a basic assumption" in a sentence?

You can use "a basic assumption" to introduce a fundamental belief or premise upon which an argument or analysis is based. For example, "A basic assumption of this study is that all participants understand the instructions."

What are some alternatives to "a basic assumption"?

Alternatives include "a fundamental premise", "a core belief", or "an underlying principle", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to state "a basic assumption"?

While not always strictly necessary, explicitly stating "a basic assumption" can improve clarity and prevent misunderstandings, especially in academic or technical writing.

What happens if "a basic assumption" is incorrect?

If "a basic assumption" turns out to be incorrect, the conclusions or arguments built upon it may be invalid or require revision. Therefore, critical evaluation of underlying assumptions is crucial.