a premise for

USAGE SUMMARY

"a premise for" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You may use it when introducing a basis or general principle upon which a discussion or argument rests. For example, "A premise for this discussion on poverty is that everyone deserves a chance to live a life of dignity and fulfillment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A premise for another joke came up.

The New Yorker

Using it as a premise for self-indulgence is not.

The New York Times - Books

His need, too, is understandable, but as a premise for continuing this war, it is unconscionable.

The New York Times

"Something this horrible" is far from a premise for all-out war, he says.

The New York Times

As a premise for a television series, this one isn't half bad.

The New York Times - Arts

The complete thermal release of Hg in coal samples is a premise for obtaining accurate results of measured Hg contents.

International Journal of Coal Geology

"It is also a premise for citizens to participate in social affairs, enjoy rights and fulfil duties.

The Guardian

Stating a premise for the show, the narration avers, "However imperfectly we remember Indians, we're remembering Indians".

The New Yorker

As a premise for a novel about the constraints upon young love, this could hardly be objected to.

The Guardian - Books

The idea of introducing a novel gene into a few individuals that then spreads through an entire population sounds like a premise for science fiction.

Cornell University

Seth MacFarlane, the creator of Family Guy and various other post-Simpsons cartoons, has hit upon a corker of a premise for his debut film, Ted.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a premise for", ensure that the premise is clearly stated and logically connected to the conclusion or argument that follows. A well-defined premise strengthens the overall coherence of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a premise for" to introduce a statement that lacks evidence or logical support. Always ensure the premise is reasonable and can be justified to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a premise for" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the groundwork or justification upon which a statement, argument, or action is based. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature. It helps establish a clear starting point for reasoning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

47%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a premise for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to introduce a foundational element upon which an argument, action, or idea is based. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. The phrase is common across diverse fields such as news, science, and academia. Related phrases include "a basis for" and "a justification for", which offer slightly different nuances. When writing with "a premise for", ensure that the premise is clear and well-supported. Common errors include using unsubstantiated claims as premises. The phrase's authoritative usage is validated by its presence in respected sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a basis for

Emphasizes the underlying foundation or reason for something.

a foundation for

Highlights the supportive structure upon which something is built.

a justification for

Focuses on providing reasons or evidence to support an action or belief.

a rationale for

Stresses the logical reasons behind a decision or action.

a ground for

Indicates the specific reason or cause for something.

a reason for

Provides a general explanation or cause.

a starting point for

Suggests the initial stage or beginning of a process or discussion.

a pretext for

Implies a reason given to conceal the true motive.

an excuse for

Often suggests a weak or inadequate justification.

a springboard for

Emphasizes the use of something as a catalyst for further action or development.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a premise for" in a sentence?

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

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a premise for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a basis for", "a foundation for", or "a justification for". Each option emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the foundational relationship.

Is there a difference between using "a premise for" and "the premise of"?

"A premise for" typically introduces a single foundational element, while "the premise of" refers to the overall concept or idea that forms the basis of something larger, like a story or argument. For example, you might say, "A premise for this policy is economic stability," versus "The premise of the novel is a dystopian future."

When is it inappropriate to use "a premise for" in writing?

Avoid using "a premise for" if the statement is not truly foundational or if it's merely an observation or a secondary point. It's best used when introducing an assumption that is critical to the subsequent reasoning.