background assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "background assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing underlying beliefs or premises that are taken for granted in a particular context or argument. Example: "In this analysis, we must first identify the background assumption that all participants have equal access to resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"McCain is Bush's third term" is an assertion that can be contested; this builds it in as a background assumption.

The Economist

They are used as something like a background assumption, but their details are open to revision if they prove inconsistent with empirical evidence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The background assumption was that in an accident situation, even within the closely defined envelope of the EOPs, crews may act differently.

Safety Science

A "background assumption of value" must be in place within which all actions, including the actions of a god, are assessed.

The New York Times

Indeed, one of Shuy's first studies, of the Abscam trials of the nineteen-eighties, reveals just how easily the meaning of linguistic evidence can be twisted by a background assumption of guilt.

The New Yorker

Two friends, seeing my name on the list just published, compared me with Martin Heidegger — and not because they think "Reduction in the Abstract Sciences" is on a par with "Being and Time". The background assumption, which I find baffling, appears to be that occasionally uncouth language is the moral equivalent of genocide.

The Washington Post

This Article examines how members left (or were prevented from leaving) the House of Commons, the colonial American legislatures, the early state legislatures, and the Continental Congress and concludes that the background assumption at the Founding was that legislative seats could not be resigned.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The move from print to digital overturns background assumptions about practicality.

Cornell University

The background assumptions are so confidently registered that the foreground turns can be pictured in the proper light, too.

The New Yorker

Deciding which are the "better" criteria or the "better" background assumptions is not, Ms. Douglas argues, solely a scientific issue.

The New York Times

We examine background assumptions that members of the public might draw upon if invited to take part in a RCT.

Social Science & Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "background assumption", clearly identify the assumption to avoid ambiguity. This ensures your audience understands the underlying premise of your argument or analysis.

Common error

Avoid relying on "background assumptions" without explicitly stating them. Failing to articulate these assumptions can weaken your argument and lead to misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "background assumption" functions as a noun phrase that typically introduces or identifies an underlying belief, premise, or presupposition that is taken for granted within a particular context, argument, or analysis. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is used to set the stage for further discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "background assumption" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to denote an underlying belief or premise taken for granted in a specific context. Predominantly found in scientific and news media sources, the phrase serves to establish a shared understanding. When writing, ensure that any "background assumptions" are clearly identified to avoid ambiguity and misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "underlying premise" or "implicit assumption" can be used to add nuance. By understanding and utilizing this phrase correctly, you can improve the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underlying premise

Focuses on the foundational nature of the assumption.

implicit assumption

Emphasizes that the assumption is not explicitly stated.

tacit understanding

Highlights the unspoken agreement or shared knowledge.

presupposition

Highlights what must be true for a statement to be meaningful.

basic tenet

Stresses the fundamental principle or belief.

foundational belief

Emphasizes the role of the assumption as a basis for reasoning.

unspoken rule

Highlights the unwritten or unacknowledged nature of the assumption.

accepted wisdom

Focuses on assumptions that are widely believed to be true.

given

Short and direct way to refer something assumed to be true.

working hypothesis

Assumption accepted as a basis for further investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "background assumption" in a sentence?

You can use "background assumption" to introduce an idea that is taken for granted in a particular context. For example: "The argument operates under the "background assumption" that all participants are rational actors."

What are some alternatives to "background assumption"?

Alternatives include "underlying premise", "implicit assumption", or "tacit understanding", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "background assumption" and "hypothesis"?

A "background assumption" is a belief taken for granted, while a "hypothesis" is a proposed explanation that is tested through experimentation. A "background assumption" provides the foundation upon which hypotheses are built.

How do I identify a "background assumption"?

Look for statements or beliefs that are not explicitly defended but are necessary for the argument to make sense. These are often unstated beliefs about how the world works or what is considered normal or reasonable.