a basic premise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic premise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing foundational ideas or assumptions that underlie a theory, argument, or concept. Example: "The basic premise of the theory is that all living organisms evolve over time through natural selection."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Paper appealingly undermined a basic premise of architecture.

The New Yorker

Yet the blogosphere to which Mr. Breivik belonged took these views as a basic premise.

The New York Times

It's a basic premise of the social contract that work is the route out of deprivation.

The Guardian

The lack of solid information about the detainees undermined a basic premise of the administration's legal plan.

The New York Times

The Tonka is far from basic transportation, but it is close to a basic premise in Detroit.

The New York Times

Which is not surprising, since a basic premise of the information age is that information itself has economic value.

The New York Times

A basic premise of this research is that decisions about sexual risk-taking are relational as well as "health" decisions.

Princeton University

While accepting a basic premise of Obama's reform, Pence also insisted on a number of conservative modifications for Indiana.

The Washington Post

A basic premise is that the main interest groups must be represented from all levels, particularly top government officials.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A basic premise for obtaining this on the shop floor is that the different processing units are able to communicate.

Procedia CIRP

Until 1997, a basic premise of Israeli R&D support programs had been the principle of neutrality all eligible projects were funded.

Research Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a basic premise", ensure it's genuinely fundamental to your argument and not easily dismissed or overlooked. Clearly articulate it early for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid presenting a widely accepted fact as "a basic premise". This can make your writing seem condescending or unnecessary. Instead, focus on premises that genuinely need establishing or are unique to your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic premise" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a fundamental assumption or foundational idea. It sets the stage for an argument, theory, or concept, providing a starting point for further elaboration. Ludwig confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basic premise" serves as a foundation for arguments and concepts across various fields. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and widely used. It is most common in News & Media, Science, and Academia. When employing this phrase, ensure that the premise is truly fundamental and clearly articulated. Alternatives like "a fundamental assumption" or "a core principle" can add nuance to your writing. Avoid stating the obvious as a basic premise to maintain clarity and relevance. Being aware of its grammatical function and usage contexts allows you to use it effectively in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental assumption

Replaces "premise" with "assumption", emphasizing the underlying belief.

a core principle

Substitutes "premise" with "principle", highlighting a guiding tenet.

an underlying assumption

Emphasizes that the assumption is not always explicitly stated.

a key assumption

Replaces "basic" with "key", emphasizing importance, and uses assumption in place of premise.

a foundational concept

Changes "premise" to "concept", stressing the fundamental idea.

a fundamental concept

Uses the word "concept" instead of "premise" without losing the meaning of a foundation.

a central tenet

Replaces "premise" with "tenet", focusing on a belief held as true.

a guiding principle

Highlights the role of the premise as a directive force.

a starting point

Offers a more general term for initial assumptions or ideas.

a bedrock principle

Implies that the "premise" is a firmly established foundation.

FAQs

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

Use "a basic premise" to introduce a fundamental assumption or idea that underlies an argument or concept. For example, "A basic premise of this research is that early childhood experiences significantly impact adult development."

What are some alternatives to "a basic premise"?

You can use alternatives like "a fundamental assumption", "a core principle", or "a key assumption" depending on the specific context.

Is "a basic premise" the same as "a hypothesis"?

No, "a basic premise" is a foundational assumption taken as a starting point, while a hypothesis is a testable statement that is subject to verification.

Can "a basic premise" be incorrect?

Yes, "a basic premise" can be flawed or incorrect. If the underlying assumption is false, any arguments built upon it may also be invalid.