a central premise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a central premise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the main idea or foundational concept of an argument, theory, or narrative. Example: "The central premise of the novel revolves around the struggle for identity in a rapidly changing world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"A central premise of the game is that the prisoners can't communicate," he noted.

The New York Times

A central premise was to prevent producers from deliberately designing electronics which cannot be dismantled and reused.

The Economist

And to the extent that it has a central premise, the premise is not one that commands assent.

The New York Times - Books

A central premise of his campaign was his pledge to restore America's moral standing in the world by undoing the anti-terrorism policies of his predecessor, Mr. Bush.

The New York Times

A central premise of Rubio's campaign has been that he would be the most formidable opponent for Clinton or any Democratic nominee.

The Guardian

"Who am I ?" is a central premise of many classic novels in this series, including David Copperfield (No 15) and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (No 23).

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

It shouldn't even enter your head as an optional activity, as something that you can perhaps do on a Saturday, let alone be the central premise for a "workshop" attended by you and some other cunts.

Vice

It wasn't "A Doll's House," but it threw a spanner into the central premise of romantic comedy, the idea that if it's true love, it's made to last.

The New Yorker

This was more than just a bad night; it was a withering refutation of the central premise of his campaign: that an overthrow of the billionaire class is possible if ordinary Americans come together as one.

The Guardian

Caldwell selects a multitude of facts or quotations that support his central premise of a "believing" Islam pitted against a doubting or skeptical Europe.

Huffington Post

Now, midway through middle age, she is promoting a new film whose central premise is that she looks like hell.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When starting an essay, clearly state "a central premise" to provide a solid foundation for your argument or discussion.

Common error

Avoid building arguments or analyses on an unstated or weakly supported "a central premise". Always make sure your foundational assumptions are explicit and defensible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a central premise" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the core assumption or foundational idea upon which an argument, theory, or narrative is built. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a central premise" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the foundational assumption or core idea of an argument or theory. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly employed in academic and scientific writing, as well as in news and media. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, it's crucial to ensure that the premise is clearly defined and well-supported, thus bolstering the overall strength and coherence of your work. Alternatives include "a core assumption" and "a fundamental principle".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a core assumption

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

a fundamental principle

Substitutes "premise" with "principle", highlighting the basic rule or belief.

a basic tenet

Replaces "premise" with "tenet", indicating a core doctrine or belief.

a key idea

Uses "idea" instead of "premise", simplifying the expression.

a primary concept

Substitutes "premise" with "concept", focusing on the main notion.

a main argument

Emphasizes the argumentative aspect rather than the underlying assumption.

a foundational belief

Replaces "premise" with "belief", stressing the conviction aspect.

a starting point

Focuses on the beginning of an argument or theory.

an underlying assumption

Highlights that the premise is not always explicitly stated.

a central hypothesis

Implies a proposition made as a basis for reasoning, without any assumption of its truth.

FAQs

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

You can use "a central premise" to introduce the core idea of an argument or theory, as in "A central premise of this study is that early intervention is key to success."

What are some alternatives to "a central premise"?

Alternatives include "a core assumption", "a fundamental principle", or "a key idea" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "central premise" or "main premise"?

"Central premise" and "main premise" are often interchangeable, but "central premise" might slightly emphasize the foundational importance of the premise.

What makes a premise "central"?

A premise is "central" when it is essential to the overall argument or framework, and the entire structure relies heavily upon its validity and acceptance.