basic assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

"basic assumption" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to something that is taken as true without proof or argument. For example, "Despite the lack of evidence, it was our basic assumption that the defendant was guilty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think the basic assumption is flawed".

The New York Times

This basic assumption now feels outdated.

Harvard Business Review

"And the basic assumption is that the pope is a target".

The New York Times

"In cognitive science, we have this basic assumption that the brain is a computer," Martinez added.

The Guardian

The basic assumption is that one does not have to be sacrificed for the other.

The Guardian

Not everyone agrees with Peacemaker's basic assumption: that both Palestinians and Israelis want peace.

The New York Times - Arts

But what about the basic assumption: would Rubio actually help Romney with this important demographic?

The Guardian - Opinion

The longtime associate told me that Maliki's basic assumption was "everyone is plotting against us".

The New Yorker

Another basic assumption is that risk is necessary and even beneficial.

MIT Technology Review

On the other hand, perhaps the basic assumption does a disservice to many theatre audiences.

The Guardian

The basic assumption of this policy is that trafficking relates only to foreigners transgressing immigration law.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "basic assumption", ensure that the assumption is indeed fundamental to the argument or analysis. Avoid using it for minor or tangential points.

Common error

A common mistake is to treat a "basic assumption" as an unchallengeable truth. Always acknowledge that the assumption may be flawed or that alternative explanations exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic assumption" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies a foundational belief or premise. As Ludwig indicates, it's widely recognized and accepted in written English. The examples show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

17%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "basic assumption" is a widely used and grammatically correct way to refer to a foundational belief or premise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly employed across various fields, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. When using the phrase, ensure the assumption is truly fundamental and acknowledge potential limitations or alternative explanations. Alternatives such as "underlying premise" or "fundamental principle" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Overall, "basic assumption" is a valuable tool for establishing a clear foundation for arguments and analyses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

premise

A shorter, more direct synonym for assumption.

underlying premise

Focuses on the foundational aspect of the assumption.

fundamental principle

Emphasizes the role of the assumption as a guiding rule.

core belief

Highlights the deeply held nature of the assumption.

presupposition

Highlights the idea that the assumption is taken for granted.

foundational idea

Stresses the role of the assumption as a base for further reasoning.

central tenet

Implies the assumption is a key element of a system of thought.

primary postulate

A more formal term for a basic assumption, often used in scientific contexts.

starting point

Indicates the assumption is the initial consideration in a line of reasoning.

axiom

Suggests the assumption is self-evidently true.

FAQs

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

You can use "basic assumption" to introduce a foundational belief or premise upon which an argument or analysis is built. For example, "The "basic assumption" of this study is that all participants are honest".

What are some alternatives to "basic assumption"?

Alternatives include "underlying premise", "fundamental principle", or simply "premise". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state a "basic assumption"?

While not always necessary, explicitly stating the "basic assumption" can enhance clarity and transparency, especially in academic or formal writing. It allows readers to understand the foundation of your argument and evaluate its validity.

What's the difference between a "basic assumption" and a hypothesis?

A "basic assumption" is a belief taken as true without proof, serving as a foundation. A hypothesis, on the other hand, is a testable statement that is subject to verification or falsification through empirical evidence.