a number of premises

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number of premises" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple foundational statements or propositions that support an argument or theory. Example: "In order to understand the conclusion, we must first examine a number of premises that lead to it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Freakonomics works on a number of premises.

The Guardian

He stated a number of premises that were not popular at the time.

Britannica

Police officers from Hammersmith and Fulham assisted with the evacuation of a number of premises close to the building site as a precaution.

Independent

A number of premises offered "very young girls" but did not explicitly admit to having underage girls available, the Poppy Project report said.

Independent

They were last night being questioned by detectives at a police station in North Yorkshire, while officers searched a number of premises.

Independent

"I informed Mr Cameron we were going to search a number of premises relating to Mr Green and informed Mr Cameron we wanted to speak to Mr Green and requested his assistance.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Like the Arguments of D1 and D2, the Arguments of the Appendix rest on a number of independent premises, including premises of D1 and D2.

SEP

Like the Arguments of D1 and D2, the Arguments of D3 rest on a number of independent premises, including premises of D1 and D2.

SEP

Like the Arguments of the first three Deductions, the Arguments of D4 rest on a number of independent premises, including premises of D1 and D2 (but not D3).

SEP

Like the Arguments of the first seven Deductions, the Arguments of D8 rest on a number of independent premises, including premises of D1.

SEP

Like the Arguments of the first four Deductions, the Arguments of D5 rest on a number of independent premises, including premises of D1, D2, and the Appendix (but not D3 or D4).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a number of premises", ensure that each premise is clearly defined and relevant to the argument being presented. This strengthens the logical foundation and enhances the credibility of your conclusion.

Common error

Avoid treating each premise as entirely independent. Premises often build upon each other, so emphasize their connections to create a cohesive and compelling argument. Neglecting this can lead to a disjointed and unconvincing presentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of premises" functions as a noun phrase that introduces or refers to a set of foundational statements or propositions upon which an argument or theory is based. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a number of premises" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce foundational statements in an argument or theory. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is acceptable in written English and conveys the idea of multiple supporting propositions. While not as frequent as other expressions, it appears across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, with a tendency towards a neutral to formal tone. When employing this phrase, ensure each premise is well-defined and contributes to a cohesive argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underlying assumptions

Replaces "premises" with "assumptions", focusing on what is taken to be true without proof.

several assumptions

Replaces "number" with "several" and "premises" with "assumptions", altering the focus to underlying beliefs.

multiple foundations

Emphasizes the idea of multiple bases or starting points, using "foundations" as a synonym for "premises".

various underlying principles

Highlights the variety and fundamental nature of the premises, using "principles" to denote core beliefs.

a series of arguments

Shifts the focus to the logical sequence of reasoning, implying a progression from one premise to another.

a range of considerations

Broadens the scope to include a wider spectrum of factors taken into account, rather than strict logical premises.

a collection of postulates

Replaces "premises" with "postulates", suggesting a more formal and axiomatic structure.

several starting points

Focuses on the initial stages of reasoning or analysis, highlighting where the argument begins.

different initial statements

Emphasizes the variety of starting statements, using "statements" as a broader term for "premises".

fundamental suppositions

Highlights the basic and assumed nature of the premises, using "suppositions" to imply something taken for granted.

FAQs

How can I use "a number of premises" in a sentence?

You can use "a number of premises" to introduce the foundational statements of an argument. For example, "The theory relies on "a number of premises" regarding consumer behavior."

What are some alternatives to saying "a number of premises"?

Alternatives include "several assumptions", "multiple foundations", or "various underlying principles". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a number of premises" or "several premises"?

Both "a number of premises" and "several premises" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference or the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What makes a premise valid in an argument supported by "a number of premises"?

A valid premise is one that is both true and relevant to the conclusion. Ensuring the validity of each premise in ""a number of premises"" is crucial for constructing a sound and persuasive argument.