a broad premise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broad premise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a general idea or foundational concept that is wide-ranging or inclusive in nature. Example: "The author presents a broad premise that challenges traditional views on education and encourages innovative thinking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When N.B.A. labor talks resumed Wednesday, for an extended session in Midtown Manhattan, officials from the players union opened with a broad premise: Tell us what it will take to end the lockout and save the 2011-12 season.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Marceca entered a contest in which he took a broad premise supplied by the screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen ("Taken") and spun it into a techno-thriller, "The Disciple Program," about a man who realizes his wife's death was no accident.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Later, it is suggested how these personal treasures might have been displayed strewn in a clutter over an 18th-century desk, for example.A survey of personal possessions found in a European home between 1400 and 1800 is an enormously broad premise for an exhibition, especially one that is given only two rooms.

The Economist

This broad premise gives him plenty of room to ruminate about literature in relation to history and biography.

The New York Times - Books

Though technically unfeasible by today's AI standards, the broad premise of the movie is more realistic than most people may think.

The Guardian

But most of "Something in the Air" isn't concerned with its broad premise, and therein lies the book's value.

The New York Times - Books

Dynegy's estimate is based on the company's broad premise that the price of power several years from now will be sufficient for merchant power companies to cover the cost of building a plant, but not appreciably more.

The New York Times

(Chinen) HIGHLIGHTS IN JAZZ (Thursday) Exploring the broad premise of "early jazz," this concert features some distinguished specialists in the style: the pianist Dick Hyman, the guitarist Howard Alden and the clarinetist and tenor saxophonist Ken Peplowski.

The New York Times

Taibbi's piece was criticized for playing fast and loose with certain facts, but its broad premise -- that the politically-connected bank raked in profits while the rest of the economy struggled -- was hard to argue against.

Huffington Post

Still, the Bully Broads premise seems to reflect the moment.

The New York Times

Illana Melzer, who normally makes challah in a bread machine, came to the event to spend time with her mother and daughter but takes issue with its broader premise.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a broad premise", ensure that subsequent arguments or analyses provide sufficient detail to support this general foundation. This will avoid the premise seeming unsubstantiated or overly simplistic.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a broad premise" as a conclusion without first providing the necessary evidence or reasoning. Ensure that specific examples and details are used to validate the overarching idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad premise" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a foundational assumption or idea that is wide in scope and serves as a starting point for further reasoning or analysis. As Ludwig indicates, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad premise" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to introduce a wide-ranging foundational idea. While Ludwig examples demonstrate its presence in news, media, and scientific contexts, it is essential to ensure that such premises are adequately supported with detailed evidence and reasoning. Avoiding overgeneralization and providing specific examples will enhance the credibility and effectiveness of arguments built upon "a broad premise".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a general assumption

Replaces 'premise' with 'assumption', indicating a belief taken for granted.

a wide-ranging concept

Uses 'concept' instead of 'premise', emphasizing the idea's scope.

a comprehensive foundation

Substitutes 'broad' with 'comprehensive' and 'premise' with 'foundation', stressing thoroughness.

a sweeping generalization

Indicates a premise that covers a wide range but may lack specific details.

a overarching principle

Highlights a primary rule or belief that influences subsequent actions or thoughts.

a basic tenet

Replaces 'premise' with 'tenet', referring to a core doctrine or principle.

a fundamental proposition

Uses 'proposition' to emphasize a statement put forth for consideration.

a central argument

Focuses on the main point or justification being made.

a key hypothesis

Highlights a testable statement used as a basis for reasoning.

a widespread belief

Indicates a premise that is commonly held by many people.

FAQs

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

You can use "a broad premise" to introduce a general idea or foundational concept that needs further development or support. For example, 'The research is based on "a broad premise" that all individuals have equal access to education, which requires further investigation'.

What are some alternatives to "a broad premise"?

Alternatives include "a general assumption", "a wide-ranging concept", or "a comprehensive foundation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to start with a broad or narrow premise?

It depends on the context. A broad premise can be useful for introducing a topic and providing a general framework, while a narrow premise is suitable when you want to focus on a specific aspect or argument. Ensure the premise is well-supported regardless of its scope.

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

"A broad premise" refers to a general, wide-ranging idea or assumption, while "a specific premise" is a more focused, detailed statement. A broad premise sets a general direction, whereas a specific premise provides a more concrete starting point.