basic premises

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basic premises" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used in the context of logic and argumentation to refer to the fundamental principles or assumptions upon which a larger argument or idea is based. Example: "Before we can delve into the complexities of the debate, let's first establish the basic premises on which our discussion will be built."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Israel has officially rejected its basic premises.

The Guardian - Opinion

The basic premises of the film are sound.

The New York Times - Arts

Some even question the basic premises of academic freedom.

Columbia University

The "philosophy of ABC" has several basic premises.

University of California, Berkeley

I start my approach to healthcare from two very basic premises.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now the chairman has gone further, and declared the basic premises of Cold War doctrine obsolete..

The New Yorker

I've been to two conferences over the last year with similar basic premises.

The Guardian - Opinion

The stakes have risen since then, but not the basic premises.

The New York Times - Sports

Now the chairman has gone further, and declared the basic premises of Cold War doctrine obsolete.

The New Yorker

"Israel has officially rejected its basic premises with patently unacceptable caveats and prerequisites," he said.

The Guardian

Such thinkers accepted and worked within the basic premises and norms of their professions.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "basic premises", ensure they are clearly defined and understood before building upon them in an argument or discussion. This avoids misunderstandings and strengthens your position.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience automatically understands the "basic premises". Clearly articulate them, as differing interpretations can undermine your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic premises" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used to describe the fundamental assumptions upon which arguments or ideas are built. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its role in academic, news, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "basic premises" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to refer to fundamental assumptions or principles. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Academic and Science related contexts. Related phrases include "foundational assumptions" and "fundamental principles". A key writing tip is to avoid assuming your audience shares your understanding of the "basic premises" and clearly define them to prevent misinterpretations. As a final thought, while "basic premises" is generally appropriate, remember to consider the register and formality of your writing, which can range from neutral to formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundational assumptions

Emphasizes the role of assumptions as the basis for something.

fundamental principles

Highlights the core beliefs that serve as a foundation.

core tenets

Focuses on the main doctrines or beliefs of a system.

underlying principles

Stresses the principles that exist beneath the surface and support an idea.

essential foundations

Highlights the indispensable base upon which something is built.

primary assumptions

Focuses on the initial beliefs accepted as true.

starting points

Emphasizes the initial ideas used to begin a discussion or argument.

initial propositions

Highlights the first statements or ideas put forward.

basic postulates

Emphasizes self-evident truths used as a basis for reasoning.

rudimentary concepts

Focuses on the elementary ideas necessary for understanding something.

FAQs

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

You can use "basic premises" to refer to the foundational assumptions or principles upon which an argument, theory, or system is based. For example: "Let's examine the "fundamental principles" that underpin this policy".

What are some alternatives to using "basic premises"?

Alternatives include "foundational assumptions", "fundamental principles", or "core tenets", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "basic basic premises"?

Yes, saying "basic basic premises" is redundant. The word "basic" already implies a foundational or elementary level, so repeating it is unnecessary. Stick to simply "basic premises".

What's the difference between "basic premises" and "assumptions"?

"Basic premises" are the fundamental principles or facts that serve as the groundwork for a theory or argument. "Assumptions", while similar, can also refer to things that are taken for granted but may not be as foundational or universally accepted. For instance, consider using "underlying principles" when the assumptions are not so obvious.