a flawed premise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a flawed premise" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a mistaken or incorrect assumption or starting point in an argument or line of reasoning. Example: "The entire argument falls apart when you realize it was based on a flawed premise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It's a flawed premise, a flaw perhaps best articulated by Trey Parker and Matt Stone from the cartoon South Park.

Forbes

It is a dangerous game, based on a flawed premise.

The New York Times

"The notion that you can't do more than one thing at a time, I think, is a flawed premise".

The New York Times

"The idea that airlines would intentionally downgrade the flying experience or undermine safety is a flawed premise," she said.

The Washington Post

Dr. Kamal Labwani, a member of the opposition coalition, said the idea of negotiating with the government was based on a flawed premise.

The New York Times

Underlying all of this is a flawed premise, and the same kind of self-deception that Blair identified in the Left.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

It's got a flawed premise--and then the ambient noise from all the traffic and aircraft and stuff is always going to be a problem.

Los Angeles Times

Abraham explained — and the auto executives seemed to agree — that the program had been based on a fundamentally flawed premise.

The New Yorker

Abraham explained and the auto executives seemed to agree that the program had been based on a fundamentally flawed premise.

The New Yorker

I believe that this is a deeply flawed premise of viewing any scenario except revolution as immediately suspicious.

The New York Times

"My conclusion is that any agreement by the mother to move to Australia was based on a fundamentally flawed premise.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When identifying "a flawed premise", clearly articulate why it's flawed. Providing evidence or reasoning strengthens your critique and makes your argument more persuasive.

Common error

Don't assume your audience automatically recognizes the "flawed premise". Explicitly state it and explain its weaknesses to avoid misunderstandings and strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a flawed premise" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific kind of error in reasoning or argumentation, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, indicating that a starting point or assumption is incorrect or deficient. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a flawed premise" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that identifies an incorrect or questionable assumption underlying an argument or idea. As evidenced by the numerous examples found by Ludwig, its application spans various domains, including news, academia, and science. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. To use it effectively, ensure you clearly articulate why the premise is flawed to strengthen your critique. Considering alternatives such as "a false assumption" or "an incorrect assumption" can refine your expression. Avoiding the assumption that your audience will automatically recognize the flaw will enhance clarity. With its high frequency and broad applicability, mastering the use of "a flawed premise" is valuable for effective communication and critical thinking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a flawed assumption

Replaces "premise" with "assumption", highlighting the underlying belief being questioned.

a false assumption

Uses "false" instead of "flawed", emphasizing the incorrect nature of the assumption.

an incorrect assumption

Substitutes "flawed premise" with "incorrect assumption", underscoring the lack of accuracy.

a questionable premise

Replaces "flawed" with "questionable", suggesting the premise is open to doubt.

a dubious premise

Uses "dubious" to convey uncertainty and doubt about the premise.

an unsound premise

Replaces "flawed" with "unsound", indicating a lack of logical basis.

a faulty assumption

Uses "faulty" instead of "flawed", emphasizing the imperfection or defect in the assumption.

a shaky foundation

Metaphorically describes the premise as a weak base for an argument or idea.

a weak argument

Shifts the focus from the premise to the overall strength of the argument.

a fallacious argument

Highlights the deceptive or misleading nature of the argument's basis.

FAQs

How can I identify "a flawed premise" in an argument?

Look for underlying assumptions that are not supported by evidence or that contradict known facts. Also, consider whether the premise leads to logical inconsistencies or unreasonable conclusions. If the argument falls apart when the premise is challenged, it's likely "a flawed premise".

What are some alternatives to saying "a flawed premise"?

You can use alternatives like "a false assumption", "an incorrect assumption", or "a questionable premise", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "flawed premise" a formal or informal expression?

"Flawed premise" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in academic writing, news articles, and everyday conversations.

What's the difference between "a flawed premise" and "a flawed conclusion"?

"A flawed premise" is an error in the initial assumption or starting point of an argument. "A flawed conclusion" is an error in the reasoning or deduction process that leads to an incorrect final statement. The "a flawed premise" can lead to a flawed conclusion, but a flawed conclusion can also result from faulty logic even with a sound premise.