a questionable premise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a questionable premise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an idea or argument that lacks sufficient evidence or is based on dubious assumptions. Example: "The author's conclusion is built on a questionable premise that fails to consider alternative explanations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

If that strikes you as a questionable premise, Ed Cardona Jr. will be happy to convince you otherwise.

The New York Times

The simple answer is that the view from Kuala Lumpur is based on a questionable premise that leads to a damaging conclusion.

The Economist

But this ungainly farrago of a book rests on the shaky pillars of a questionable premise and Wilson's need to connect his vocation with his altruism.

The New York Times - Books

But regarding every individual as being engaged in a perpetual quest for power the view that he shares with Hobbes is a questionable premise.

SEP

WASHINGTON -- The Obama campaign's bin Laden ad, which has stirred a fierce debate, looks to some like a hit below the belt, using a questionable premise to make a political argument that Democrats can be just as tough in dealing with the nation's enemies as Republicans.

Huffington Post

A key assumption underlying the theory of evolution holds that fertility and survival schedules are fixed − a questionable premise for most species in the wild that have evolved alternate physiological modes for coping with fluctuating environmental conditions including dauer states (C. elegans), stationary phase (yeast), diapause (certain insects) and hibernation.

Aging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

That is a questionable assumption.

The New York Times

That is now looking a questionable assumption.

The Guardian - Business

"I find that a questionable assumption".

Forbes

But that's a questionable assumption.

Forbes

Here, a questionable assumption can be the background clutter level.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a questionable premise", ensure you clearly articulate why the premise is questionable. Provide evidence or reasoning to support your claim, enhancing the credibility of your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a questionable premise" without explaining the specific reasons for its dubious nature. Readers need context to understand why the premise is problematic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a questionable premise" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "premise". It serves to characterize the premise as uncertain, doubtful, or lacking sufficient justification. Ludwig confirms the appropriate usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a questionable premise" is a useful phrase for expressing doubt or skepticism about the foundation of an argument. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound and commonly used in News & Media and Science, albeit with moderate frequency. Remember to clearly articulate why a premise is questionable when using this phrase. Consider alternatives like "a dubious assumption" or "a shaky foundation" depending on the nuance you want to convey. While the phrase is correct, it is less common; you should always provide context and elaborate on the perceived issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dubious assumption

Replaces "premise" with "assumption", highlighting the uncertainty in the assumed fact.

a shaky foundation

Metaphorically describes the premise as unstable, like a poorly built base.

a flawed assumption

Focuses on the presence of errors or defects in the underlying assumption.

a weak argument

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

an unsubstantiated claim

Emphasizes the lack of evidence or support for the initial assertion.

a tenuous basis

Highlights the slight or fragile nature of the supporting evidence.

a debatable point

Indicates that the premise is open to discussion and disagreement.

an uncertain basis

Focuses on the ambiguity or lack of clarity in the supporting foundation.

a groundless assertion

Suggests the premise lacks any factual basis or evidence.

a suspect hypothesis

Implies the initial idea is potentially wrong or unreliable.

FAQs

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

You can use "a questionable premise" to introduce a point that lacks solid evidence or has doubtful foundations. For example: "The research paper's conclusion relies on "a questionable premise" regarding consumer behavior."

What are some alternatives to using "a questionable premise"?

Alternatives include "a dubious assumption", "a shaky foundation", or "a flawed assumption" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "questionable premise" or "debatable premise"?

While both are similar, "questionable premise" suggests doubt about the validity of the initial point, while "debatable premise" indicates it's open to discussion and disagreement. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize doubt or the potential for argument.

What makes a premise "questionable"?

A premise can be considered "questionable" if it lacks sufficient evidence, relies on unreliable sources, contradicts established facts, or involves logical fallacies. Identifying these weaknesses is key to critiquing the argument built upon it.