a few premises

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few premises" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of foundational statements or propositions that support an argument or theory. Example: "In order to understand the argument, we must first examine a few premises that underpin the author's reasoning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That is certainly true for Mr. Simon's 31-year-old committee, which is built on a few premises.

The New York Times

The Critique of Pure Reason from dry old Immanuel Kant is surely due the Hollywood treatment, with Ralph Fiennes breathing passion into the categorical imperative, while a title like Fear and Trembling is pure box office even if Soren Kierkegaard himself was a few premises short of a logical conclusion.

The Guardian

There were a few premises and overarching themes that pervaded much of the responses regarding increasing HIV screening without assured additional funding for linkage to care.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Few premises are connected as a result of being geographically close to one another, which reduces the concern for local spread of AIV, and limits the validity of applying data from the 2003 outbreak in the Netherlands to the GB situation.

BMC Veterinary Research

When Notation Capital first launched, it was based on a few core premises.

TechCrunch

Clifford and Locke, as we have seen, claim that the issue of whether we have done our doxastic best is an epistemic one and also (given a few further premises) a moral one.

SEP

The Republican plans we've seen share a few basic premises.

Huffington Post

We can't get down to coming up with real solutions for the diminishing resources we face as a society until we all agree to a few basic premises.

Huffington Post

Interventions usually targeted staff in the facilities, residents, or both, though a few targeted premises (for example, modification of the residents' environment).

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Only companies born in the last five years are likely to be all in, in the cloud at this point, and even some of them might have a few on-premises services.

TechCrunch

Accepting such a conclusion, based on planetary astronomy and a few auxiliary physical premises, required a certain courage of imagination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few premises", ensure that each premise is clearly defined and supports the overall argument or discussion. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a few premises" as exhaustive or definitive when they only represent a portion of the supporting evidence. Accurately represent their scope and limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few premises" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It identifies a limited number of foundational statements or propositions. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it's used to introduce the underlying basis of an argument or discussion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few premises" is a phrase used to introduce a limited number of foundational statements or locations. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to establish a logical base for arguments or descriptions. While relatively uncommon, its usage is appropriate in formal contexts, especially within academic, scientific, and news settings. Alternatives include phrases like "several assumptions" or "some basic principles". When using this phrase, ensure each premise is clearly stated and directly supports your overall point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several assumptions

Replaces 'premises' with 'assumptions', focusing on underlying beliefs.

some basic principles

Substitutes 'premises' with 'principles', emphasizing fundamental truths.

a couple of foundations

Uses 'foundations' instead of 'premises', highlighting core elements.

a few starting points

Replaces 'premises' with 'starting points', focusing on initial ideas.

certain underlying postulates

Substitutes 'premises' with 'postulates', focusing on fundamental assumptions.

a handful of locations

Replaces 'premises' with 'locations', shifting the context to physical places.

some initial propositions

Emphasizes the initial and proposed nature of the 'propositions'.

a limited number of sites

Emphasizes the limited quantity of 'sites' instead of 'premises'.

a selection of properties

Uses 'properties' to refer to a group of locations or holdings.

a small number of buildings

Specifically refers to 'buildings' instead of the broader term 'premises'.

FAQs

How can I effectively introduce "a few premises" in an argument?

Begin by clearly stating that you will outline "a few premises" upon which your argument rests. Follow with a concise explanation of each premise, ensuring they are easily understood and logically connected to your central claim.

What is the difference between "a few assumptions" and "a few premises"?

"A few assumptions" refers to beliefs or suppositions taken for granted, while "a few premises" indicates statements or propositions used as the foundation for a logical argument or conclusion. Premises are generally more explicitly stated and defended than assumptions.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "a few premises"?

The phrase "a few premises" is appropriate in academic papers, legal arguments, and analytical essays where the goal is to establish a logical foundation for a conclusion. It's suitable for any context where explicitly stating the basis of an argument is necessary.

What are some alternative phrases I can use instead of "a few premises"?

You can use alternatives such as "several assumptions", "some basic principles", or "a couple of foundations" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.