a smart premise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a smart premise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the foundational idea or concept of a story, argument, or project that is clever or insightful. Example: "The film's success can be attributed to a smart premise that captivates the audience from the start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But looseness can be a smart premise for a band as disciplined as this one.

The New York Times - Arts

"Never Mind the Pollacks" is a blown opportunity, a smart premise that its author sabotages with an avalanche of potty humor and a seeming lack of faith in his ability to construct an actual novel.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Still, for the show's smart premise to work, Alex must exhibit strobe-light star power, the kind that Julia Roberts mustered in "Notting Hill".

The New York Times - Arts

Was it hard working in an institution where all the bosses were men? "Unless you're a smart woman," she said, deflecting the premise.

The New York Times

It is comprised of a "smart meter" at the customer's premise, a communications network between the smart meter and the utility, and a "meter data management application" (MDMA) at the utility.

Chemistry Central Journal

But this is a smart conceit that makes the most of the offbeat premise.

Huffington Post

Forget romans à clef about clothes, parties and bitchy bosses -- for some of us, there's no more thrilling premise for a novel than an exploration of the life of a smart, uneasy teenage girl in, say, suburban Illinois.

The New York Times - Books

A premise that could have quickly devolved into hacky jokes on class instead has given NBC a smart, funny offering — even more so toward the end of its first season — and hopefully the industry will recognize that as it continues.

Huffington Post

A smart C.E.O.

The New York Times

"You're a smart person.

The New York Times

A smart idea.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a smart premise", ensure that the premise itself is clearly articulated and easily understood by your audience. A well-defined premise enhances the overall impact of your argument or narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "a smart premise" to describe ideas that are merely conventional or obvious. Reserve this phrase for premises that genuinely exhibit insight, novelty, or cleverness. Be cautious, though, because a premise can be smart to you but not to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smart premise" functions as a noun phrase, where 'smart' is an adjective modifying the noun 'premise'. It describes a foundational assumption or idea that is intelligent, clever, or well-conceived. As Ludwig AI shows, the expression is used to describe the basis of stories or arguments.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a smart premise" is used to describe an intelligent or clever underlying idea. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media contexts. While not extremely frequent, it effectively conveys the insightful and well-conceived nature of a foundational concept. When employing this phrase, ensure that the premise genuinely exhibits the qualities of intelligence and cleverness it suggests.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intelligent concept

Emphasizes the intellectual quality of the premise.

a clever foundation

Highlights the ingenuity and innovative nature of the premise.

a brilliant idea

Stresses the exceptional quality and insightfulness of the idea.

a well-conceived plan

Focuses on the thoroughness and thoughtfulness of the premise as a plan.

a sound basis

Underscores the logical and rational nature of the premise.

a solid groundwork

Highlights the strong and reliable nature of the premise as a starting point.

an ingenious starting point

Implies the premise is inventive and imaginative in its origin.

a perceptive notion

Focuses on the insightful and discerning quality of the premise.

a savvy strategy

Suggests the premise is clever and effective as a strategic approach.

a judicious assumption

Emphasizes the careful and thoughtful consideration behind the premise.

FAQs

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

You can use "a smart premise" to describe a clever or insightful foundation for an argument, story, or project. For instance, "The success of the new series hinges on "a smart premise" that explores the complexities of human relationships in the digital age."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "an intelligent concept", "a clever foundation", or "a brilliant idea".

Is it always appropriate to describe a premise as "smart"?

While generally acceptable, describing a premise as "smart" implies that it is not only logical but also innovative or insightful. Use this phrase when the premise genuinely exhibits these qualities to avoid overstating its value.

What distinguishes "a smart premise" from a good or interesting premise?

While a good premise might be sound and logically consistent, and an interesting premise might be intriguing, "a smart premise" suggests an additional layer of cleverness, insight, or strategic advantage that sets it apart.