basic premise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basic premise" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when introducing or discussing a main or underlying idea, argument, or concept. For example, "The basic premise of the book is that anyone can make a difference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So what's the basic premise?

The Guardian

The basic premise of their advert?

Independent

The basic premise, though, is not unfamiliar.

The New York Times - Arts

The basic premise is very similar.

The Guardian

From this basic premise flow several others.

The New York Times - Magazine

Morever, I disagreed with its basic premise.

The Guardian

It's the basic premise of international feminism.

The Guardian

Basic premise of kinetics 25 2525

Stanford University

Stewart's basic premise — can't you guys just be nice?

The New Yorker

"They've accepted the basic premise of aggressive modernization".

The New York Times

He disagrees with the basic premise of the bill, though.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "basic premise", clearly define what that premise is to avoid ambiguity. Ensure it aligns with the overall argument or context.

Common error

Avoid using "basic premise" without explicitly stating the premise being referred to. Readers need to understand the underlying assumption for your argument to be effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic premise" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a foundational concept, assumption, or idea upon which an argument, theory, or system is based. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use across various contexts to signal the underlying principle being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "basic premise" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to introduce a foundational concept or assumption. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It is frequently found in news, scientific, and academic sources, signifying its versatility across different registers. When using "basic premise", it's essential to clearly define the premise to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "fundamental assumption", "core concept", and "underlying principle", each offering a slightly different emphasis. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively incorporate "basic premise" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental assumption

Focuses on the underlying assumption as the core element.

core concept

Emphasizes the central idea or principle.

underlying principle

Highlights the foundational rule or law.

foundational idea

Stresses the concept that serves as a foundation.

essential concept

Highlights that the concept is indispensable.

key assumption

Emphasizes the importance of the assumption.

primary notion

Focuses on the main idea or belief.

central tenet

Emphasizes the core belief or doctrine.

initial proposition

Highlights that the proposition is a starting point.

starting point

Indicates the beginning or origin of an idea or argument.

FAQs

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

You can use "basic premise" to introduce a fundamental idea or assumption, such as, "The "basic premise" of this argument is that all individuals are inherently equal".

What are some alternatives to "basic premise"?

Alternatives include "fundamental assumption", "core concept", or "underlying principle". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "basic premise" formal or informal?

"Basic premise" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

What is the difference between "basic premise" and "hypothesis"?

A ""basic premise"" is a foundational assumption or idea, while a hypothesis is a testable statement used in scientific investigation. While related, they serve different purposes.