basic premise is that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basic premise is that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce the foundational idea or assumption upon which an argument or theory is built. Example: "The basic premise is that effective communication is essential for successful teamwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Rick has lost his wife and his best friend, Carol her daughter and Daryl his (admittedly psychotic) brother.The basic premise is that civilisation has resorted to the Hobbesian description of life as "nasty, brutish and short".

The Economist

The basic premise is that robots called Cylons – originally created by humans, now very much their own people – turn up after 40 years in the wilderness to nuke humanity.

The Guardian

The startup's basic premise is that badly designed and implemented web forms can be a serious — and often overlooked — blocker to companies converting web users into paying customers.

TechCrunch

The basic premise is that light entering through a tiny hole can display inverted pictures of the outside world in a darkened room.

Vice

The basic premise is that, as long as you're over 18 – police may ask to see ID – you can work as a sex worker without fear of arrest.

Vice

Future projections depend on multiple assumptions, but the basic premise is that past trends, affecting as they do the risk of death from cancer in specific generations and/or time periods, will be carried forward into the future.

British Journal of Cancer

Future predictions depend on multiple assumptions, but the basic premise is that past trends, affecting as they do the risk of cancer in specific generations and/or time periods, will be carried forward into the future.

British Journal of Cancer

The basic premise is that what you eat affects you profoundly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The basic premise is that I became a writer through failing to become a rock star.

The Guardian - Travel

The basic premise is that one day 2% of the world's population suddenly disappear without trace.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Its basic premise is that our ideas of beauty in art are changing, but we've known that for years.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "basic premise is that", ensure that the premise you introduce is indeed fundamental and foundational to your argument or explanation. This sets the stage for clear and logical reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "basic premise is that" to introduce information that is already widely understood or self-evident. This can make your writing seem redundant or condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic premise is that" functions as a discourse marker, used to explicitly introduce a fundamental assumption or foundational idea. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, serving to establish a basis for subsequent arguments or explanations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "basic premise is that" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to introduce fundamental assumptions or core ideas. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread use. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science domains, signaling its utility in establishing clear foundations for arguments or explanations. When employing this phrase, ensure the introduced premise is indeed foundational to maintain logical flow and clarity. While effective, avoid using it for self-evident information. Alternatives include "fundamental assumption is that" or "core idea is that", which can provide nuanced emphasis depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental assumption is that

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the assumption, similar to premise.

core idea is that

Highlights the central concept or notion being introduced.

underlying principle is that

Stresses the foundational rule or tenet upon which something is based.

essential concept is that

Focuses on the crucial and indispensable nature of the concept.

key argument is that

Highlights the main point or assertion being made.

main thesis is that

Introduces the central claim or proposition being defended.

central tenet is that

Emphasizes a core belief or doctrine.

starting point is that

Highlights the initial assumption or basis for further reasoning.

the foundation rests on

This phrase indicates the groundwork upon which a concept is built.

the crux of the matter is

This highlights the core issue or most important aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "basic premise is that" to introduce the core assumption or idea upon which an argument, theory, or concept is built. For example: "The basic premise is that effective communication enhances teamwork."

What are some alternatives to "basic premise is that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "fundamental assumption is that", "core idea is that", or "underlying principle is that" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "basic premise is" or "basic premises are"?

The correct form depends on whether you are introducing a single premise or multiple premises. Use "basic premise is that" for a single, core assumption. Use "basic premises are that" for multiple foundational assumptions.

What makes "basic premise is that" different from "the idea is that"?

"Basic premise is that" suggests a foundational assumption that underlies a line of reasoning, while "the idea is that" is a more general way to introduce a concept or thought. The former implies a more structured argument or system of thought.