a key premise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key premise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the fundamental ideas or assumptions that form the basis of an argument, theory, or narrative. Example: "The author presents a key premise that all human behavior is influenced by social context."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

She confirms a key premise in the ITV series, that Victoria was overprotected during her childhood at Kensington Palace.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A key premise of the Pixar action comedy is that square-jawed space ranger Buzz Lightyear doesn't believe he's a toy.

The Guardian - Film

ABC executives are now looking into whether the statement about produce, a key premise on which Mr. Stossel built his case, was made without any basis in fact.

The New York Times

Recent events have made talking about Russia more urgent than anyone was expecting two months ago.Our participants agree on a key premise: historical analogies are likely to mislead us when we think about Russia.

The Economist

Long hours and low wages undermine a key premise of the prime minister's vision, which appears to be that social and financial gains will come from replacing paid with unpaid labour.

The Guardian - Opinion

The attitude of such Catalan executives matters because a key premise in the secessionist argument is that Catalonia, which accounts for almost a fifth of Spain's economic output, would flourish economically if it broke ties with the rest of the economically lagging nation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Turkey Isn't a Safe Third CountryThe key premise of the new agreement that all "irregular migrants," including asylum seekers, will be sent back to Turkey has been widely criticized by human rights activists, who say the country has a poor track record on refugee rights.

Vice

Turkey Isn't a Safe Third Country The key premise of the new agreement that all "irregular migrants," including asylum seekers, will be sent back to Turkey has been widely criticized by human rights activists, who say the country has a poor track record on refugee rights.

Vice

This is the key premise of an eliminativist argument based on predicted intertheoretic relations.

SEP

To undermine the argument, critics need to show that the key premise (the possibility of a zombie) is false or at least unjustified.

The New York Times

These shoes are my tires!" I love this story because it gets at the root of a key sales premise.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key premise", ensure it is explicitly stated or clearly implied within your argument. This provides a solid foundation for your reasoning.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a key premise" without providing sufficient justification or evidence. Readers may not share your assumptions, which can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key premise" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a significant assumption or starting point within an argument, theory, or discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct, serving to introduce a foundational element. The examples provided demonstrate its role in setting the stage for further reasoning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key premise" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to introduce a significant assumption or foundational idea in an argument or discussion. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is appropriate across a range of writing styles, including academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the premise is clearly defined and supported to establish a solid foundation for your reasoning. Alternatives like ""a central assumption"" or ""a fundamental principle"" may be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. The frequency of the expression is uncommon but consistent across multiple domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central assumption

Focuses on the idea of something being assumed and central to an argument or theory, instead of a preliminary statement.

a core assumption

Highlights the fundamental nature of the assumption, differing slightly in emphasis from a premise.

a fundamental principle

Emphasizes a guiding rule or belief that forms the basis of something, rather than a preliminary statement.

a basic tenet

Stresses a principle or belief held as true, changing the focus from a starting point to a conviction.

a primary concept

Shifts from a premise to a main idea or notion, changing the nature of the foundational element.

a main supposition

Focuses on something that is supposed to be true, used as a base for reasoning, instead of a stated premise.

a critical foundation

Highlights the importance of the base upon which something is built, differing slightly in emphasis from a premise.

an essential basis

Emphasizes the necessity of the foundation, changing the focus from a starting point to a requirement.

a cornerstone belief

Highlights the fundamental nature of a belief, differing slightly in emphasis from a premise.

a foundational idea

Focuses on the root idea that supports a concept, changing the nature of the foundational element.

FAQs

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

Use "a key premise" to introduce a fundamental assumption or foundational idea upon which an argument or theory is based. For example, "A key premise of this study is that early intervention can significantly improve outcomes."

What are some alternatives to "a key premise"?

Alternatives include "a central assumption", "a core belief", or "a fundamental principle". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What makes a premise "key"?

A "key premise" is essential to the argument or theory being presented. If the premise is proven false or invalid, the entire argument may collapse. It's a foundational element.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state "a key premise"?

While it's often beneficial for clarity, explicitly stating "a key premise" may not always be necessary. However, the premise should be readily apparent and well-supported by the surrounding context. If there is any chance of ambiguity, explicitly stating the key premise is advisable.