a core assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a core assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing fundamental beliefs or premises that underlie a theory, argument, or analysis. Example: "In our research, we identified a core assumption that influenced our findings significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

He knew that the roboticist Rodney Brooks had recently begun to question a core assumption of the whole A.I. project: that minds could be built of machines.

The New Yorker

"Western military technological superiority, a core assumption of the past two decades, is eroding", John Chipman, IISS director general, told a London press conference.

The Guardian

Yet he argues that the United States and Europe share a core assumption that the private sector, not government, should be a primary engine of growth.

The New York Times

The American officers I met were hardly of one mind on how to proceed in Iraq, but they were grappling with decisions on how to try to stabilize a traumatized country with a hard-headed sense that although there have been significant gains, a long and difficult job still lies ahead — a core assumption that has frequently been missing on the campaign trail.

The New York Times

Resource heterogeneity among firms is a core assumption underlying the reconfiguration and structural integration views.

Journal of Organization Design

A core assumption of public reason liberalism is that people's reasons for action and belief can differ substantially.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

In particular, precise, quantitative paleotemperature estimates from taxon-free approaches operate under a still-untested core assumption that leaf-trait variation principally results from adaptive environmental convergence, and because it is thus largely independent of phylogeny it should be constant through geologic time.

Plosone

The financial models used today have a few core assumptions, including the average number of income-earning years (currently pegged at 45, roughly from one's early 20s to one's late 60s), a retirement age around 65 and an average life expectancy of 75.

TechCrunch

From a socio-cultural perspective, the core assumption of all of the scenarios is that peer-to-peer practices will strengthen – the scenarios map out different possibilities for a "peer-to-peer society" to organize (as centralised or decentralised).

European Journal of Futures Research

Because the utilitarian philosophy of resource allocation is so pervasive in our society, it is not necessarily obvious that this core assumption is a value.

BMC Medical Ethics

The core assumption of a frequency analysis of statements is that the frequency of specific statements indicates the extent to which specific cognitions reflect predominant experiences of study participants (cf. Hull, Levenson, Young, & Sher, 1983 ).

Consciousness and Cognition

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a core assumption", clearly articulate the assumption and its potential impact on your argument or analysis to ensure transparency and avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "a core assumption" without exploring its potential consequences or limitations. Failing to do so can weaken your argument and leave readers questioning its validity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a core assumption" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a fundamental belief or premise. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes a basic element that underpins a theory, argument, or analysis. Examples showcase its role in various academic and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a core assumption" is a phrase used to identify a fundamental belief or premise underlying an argument or theory. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and acceptable for use in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, with Ludwig examples showcasing its presence in scientific and news media contexts, its clarity and precision make it a valuable tool for effective communication. Be sure to articulate the specific assumption and its implications to enhance the strength and transparency of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental premise

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the assumption, similar to "a core assumption" but with a stronger emphasis on its role as a basis for reasoning.

a foundational belief

Highlights the role of the assumption as a deeply held conviction influencing thought and behavior.

a basic tenet

Highlights the principle's importance and foundational role, particularly in belief systems or philosophies.

an underlying principle

Stresses the foundational aspect of the assumption, suggesting it supports a larger structure of thought or action.

a central hypothesis

Focuses on the assumption's role as a testable proposition, common in scientific contexts.

a fundamental concept

Emphasizes the assumption's role as a basic building block for understanding a subject or topic.

a key presupposition

Underscores that the assumption is taken for granted beforehand, possibly without explicit proof.

a primary axiom

Indicates a self-evident or universally accepted truth serving as a starting point for reasoning.

a critical element

Highlights the importance and essential nature of the assumption.

a starting point

Focuses on the role of the assumption as the initial basis for further development or exploration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a core assumption" to introduce a fundamental belief or principle that underlies a particular theory, argument, or analysis. For example, "A core assumption of this study is that people act rationally".

What's a good way to identify "a core assumption" in an argument?

Look for underlying beliefs or principles that are not explicitly stated but are necessary for the argument to hold. These are often the unacknowledged foundations upon which the reasoning is built.

What can I say instead of "a core assumption"?

Alternatives include "a fundamental premise", "a basic tenet", or "an underlying principle", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state "a core assumption"?

While not always necessary, explicitly stating "a core assumption" enhances clarity and transparency. It helps readers understand the foundation of your argument and allows them to critically evaluate its validity.