central assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "central assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a fundamental belief or premise that underlies a theory, argument, or analysis. Example: "The central assumption of this study is that increased access to education leads to higher income levels."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The central assumption of government thinking about social mobility might be statistically invalid," she said.

The Guardian - Opinion

The central assumption of government thinking about social mobility might be statistically invalid.

The Guardian

The starting point for Mr. Akerlof and his colleagues is to make the central assumption of economics realistic.

The New York Times

_We were not told enough — the classic puzzle premise — _was the central assumption of the Enron prosecution.

The New Yorker

We were not told enough — the classic puzzle premise — was the central assumption of the Enron prosecution.

The New Yorker

Indeed, a central assumption of the systems view is that the individual and the environment are in constant interaction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it is always predicated around the same central assumption: with increasing numbers of older people, the costs can only go up.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think that consumers have had the central assumption that cellphone experiences are terrible and there's nothing you can do about it".

The New York Times - Tech

Dr. Stanford and other critics also question Dr. Bovens's central assumption, that embryos formed outside of a woman's most fertile period are less likely to be viable.

The New York Times - Health

The central assumption behind the export strategy is simple: American gas prices are destined to be cheaper than European and Asian prices for years to come.

The New York Times

In this commentary, we explore the central assumption of censoring.

European Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, critically evaluate your "central assumption". Acknowledge its limitations and consider alternative perspectives or counterarguments. This demonstrates intellectual rigor and strengthens your analysis.

Common error

Avoid making implicit assumptions without explicitly stating them. Failing to identify the "central assumption" can weaken your argument and leave readers questioning the validity of your claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "central assumption" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It identifies a key underlying belief or premise upon which an argument, theory, or analysis is based. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "central assumption" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote a foundational premise or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and academic texts, it serves to introduce and analyze the core tenets upon which arguments or theories are built. While alternatives like "core belief" or "fundamental premise" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance desired. Remember to clearly articulate and critically evaluate the "central assumption" in your writing to maintain clarity and rigor. The frequency analysis indicates that the phrase is most prevalent in Science, News & Media and Encyclopedia sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core belief

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the belief, minimizing the aspect of presupposition.

fundamental premise

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of the statement or argument.

key presupposition

Highlights the idea of something taken for granted beforehand that is crucial for the subsequent reasoning or actions.

primary tenet

Focuses on a principle or doctrine held as true, especially within a specific system of thought.

main hypothesis

Highlights the speculative nature of the assumption, positioning it as a starting point for investigation.

underlying principle

Shifts focus to the foundational rule or law that supports a theory or system.

basic foundation

Emphasizes the element on which something else is based.

guiding principle

Highlights the assumption's role in directing thought or action.

cornerstone of the argument

Presents the assumption as an essential and indispensable part of the argument.

foundational concept

Focuses on the conceptual nature of the underlying idea.

FAQs

How do I use "central assumption" in a sentence?

You can use "central assumption" to introduce a core belief or premise that underlies an argument, theory, or analysis. For example: "The "central assumption" of this study is that increased access to education leads to higher income levels."

What are some alternatives to "central assumption"?

Alternatives to "central assumption" include "core belief", "fundamental premise", or "key presupposition". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What makes an assumption "central"?

A "central" assumption is a foundational belief or premise that significantly influences the outcome of an argument, theory, or analysis. It is a critical element upon which other ideas or conclusions are built.

How can I identify the "central assumption" in an argument?

To identify the "central assumption", look for the underlying beliefs or premises that are not explicitly stated but are necessary for the argument to hold. Consider what the author takes for granted as true.