a reasonable premise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable premise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the foundation or basis of an argument, theory, or idea that is logical and justifiable. Example: "The author presents a reasonable premise that supports the need for environmental conservation in urban planning."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Presumably "No!" English Heritage, meanwhile, takes a line common to many respondents: that the job is too demanding for non-specialists, which is at least a reasonable premise for debate.

The Guardian

A typical column begins with a reasonable premise and carries it a little further than seems possible.

Forbes

Adjusting PEEP to maintain normal physiologic transpulmonary pressure is a reasonable premise.

Critical Care

It seems a reasonable premise that dosing for targeted therapies should be driven by target effect rather than toxicity.

British Journal of Cancer

Our results, as well as the increasing number of off-label indications for quetiapine [ 11, 12, 14, 37] would certainly provide a reasonable premise for such an undertaking.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's a reasonable enough premise, and that mathematicians are prone to pomposity as they seek to explain the world anyway is an apt focus of satire.

The New York Times

It is based on the reasonable premise that as long as institutions are stuck with those assets, the flow of credit, the economy's lifeblood, will be constrained, or as in the past week, all but frozen.

The New York Times

High-throughput is based on the reasonable premise that testing more molecules will result in discovery of more leads and drugs, all things being equal.

Journal of Cheminformatics

"Even prosecutors better than Harris now have to work against the reasonable premise that having caged people in and of itself makes one unqualified to shepherd a progressive party," said Nimni.

Vice

It's a sensible premise," he said.

Los Angeles Times

A few decades ago, the American philosopher Thomas Nagel showed that it is an inescapable consequence of some quite reasonable premises.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reasonable premise", ensure that you clearly articulate the premise and provide supporting evidence or justification to enhance its credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a reasonable premise" to describe ideas that are universally accepted or self-evident. Save it for situations where the premise requires some level of explanation or defense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable premise" functions as a noun phrase that typically introduces a foundational assumption or proposition in an argument, theory, or discussion. It sets the stage for subsequent reasoning and is used to establish common ground, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a reasonable premise" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that serves to introduce a logical assumption or foundation for an argument. As noted by Ludwig, it is most commonly found in scientific and news media contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the premise is clearly articulated and justified. Alternatives such as "a valid assumption" or "a sound basis" may be used depending on the desired nuance. While the phrase itself is correct, avoid using it for self-evident statements to maintain the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valid assumption

Focuses on the assumption's validity rather than its reasonableness.

a sound basis

Emphasizes the solidity and reliability of the foundation.

a logical foundation

Highlights the logical nature of the premise.

a justifiable starting point

Puts emphasis on the premise being a starting point that can be justified.

a tenable argument

Focuses on the premise's ability to be defended or maintained.

a defensible position

Similar to "a tenable argument", highlighting the ability to defend the premise.

a credible assertion

Highlights the believability and trustworthiness of the premise.

a well-founded assumption

Emphasizes that the assumption has a solid basis or foundation.

a rational supposition

Emphasizes the rationality and logical consistency of the premise.

a plausible hypothesis

Highlights the possibility and likelihood of the premise being true.

FAQs

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

You can use "a reasonable premise" to introduce an idea or assumption that serves as the foundation for an argument or theory. For example, "The study begins with "a reasonable premise": that increased access to education improves economic outcomes."

What are some alternatives to "a reasonable premise"?

Some alternatives to "a reasonable premise" include "a valid assumption", "a sound basis", or "a logical foundation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state that a premise is "reasonable"?

No, it's not always necessary. Whether to use "a reasonable premise" depends on whether you want to emphasize the justification or logical basis of the idea. If the premise's reasonableness is already apparent, it may be redundant.

How does "a reasonable premise" differ from "a sensible assumption"?

While both suggest a logical starting point, "a reasonable premise" often implies a more formal or structured argument, whereas "a sensible assumption" may refer to a practical or common-sense understanding. The distinction is subtle but can affect the tone and perceived rigor of your writing.