core assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "core assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to a fundamental belief or principle that someone holds as true and is usually used in the context of discussing a particular topic or issue. Example: One of the core assumptions of the scientific community is that all phenomena can be explained through natural laws and principles, rather than supernatural or mystical forces.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

North did not shy away from challenging core assumption in economic theory.

The Guardian

If that were our core assumption, it would irrevocably alter what constitutes moral behavior.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the core assumption on which these politicians, including Cameron, are selling these laws to the public, is simply wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fatal flaw in the process is its core assumption that one is guilty until proved innocent.

The New York Times - Sports

He knew that the roboticist Rodney Brooks had recently begun to question a core assumption of the whole A.I. project: that minds could be built of machines.

The New Yorker

"Western military technological superiority, a core assumption of the past two decades, is eroding", John Chipman, IISS director general, told a London press conference.

The Guardian

What is more, the industry's core assumption that shale gas offers a 50% reduction on burning coal has also been sharply challenged by a new academic study.

The Guardian

Yet he argues that the United States and Europe share a core assumption that the private sector, not government, should be a primary engine of growth.

The New York Times

For years, the ideology of free markets bestrode the world, bending politics as well as economics to its core assumption: market forces produce the best solution to any problem.

The New York Times - Books

Indeed, he questions the core assumption of the man who could lead the Tories back into Downing Street: the need, or even the wisdom, of reclaiming the 'centre ground' from New Labour.

The Guardian

The American officers I met were hardly of one mind on how to proceed in Iraq, but they were grappling with decisions on how to try to stabilize a traumatized country with a hard-headed sense that although there have been significant gains, a long and difficult job still lies ahead — a core assumption that has frequently been missing on the campaign trail.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "core assumption", ensure that you clearly articulate the assumption and its relevance to the argument or analysis you are presenting. This adds clarity and strengthens your reasoning.

Common error

Avoid building arguments on unstated or weakly supported core assumptions. Always make your assumptions explicit and provide justification where possible to enhance the credibility of your claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "core assumption" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, identifying a fundamental premise or belief upon which an argument, theory, or system is based. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "core assumption" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase that refers to a fundamental belief or principle underlying an argument, theory, or system. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for use in written English across various contexts. Its prevalence in science, news and media, and formal business settings underscores its utility in academic, professional, and analytical discourse. Being mindful of stating and justifying any assumptions is a way of improving the robustness and credibility of the claims.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental premise

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the assumption, similar to "core assumption".

basic tenet

Highlights the principle or doctrine aspect of the assumption.

key presupposition

Focuses on what is taken for granted beforehand, akin to a "core assumption".

central hypothesis

Applies specifically to assumptions that form the basis of a theory or investigation.

primary axiom

Denotes a self-evident truth that serves as a starting point, much like a "core assumption".

underlying belief

Stresses the belief component of the assumption.

foundational principle

Emphasizes the role of the assumption as a guiding rule or basis.

essential element

Highlights that the assumption is a necessary ingredient for something else.

cornerstone idea

Metaphorically positions the assumption as a vital support.

crucial starting point

Focuses on the assumption as the necessary initial step in reasoning or planning.

FAQs

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

You can use "core assumption" to introduce a fundamental belief that underlies a theory or argument. For instance, "A core assumption of economic models is that individuals act rationally."

What's the difference between "core belief" and "core assumption"?

"Core belief" typically refers to a deeply held personal conviction, whereas "core assumption" usually describes a foundational principle used in reasoning or analysis. While related, they operate in different contexts.

What are some phrases similar to "core assumption"?

Alternatives include "fundamental premise", "basic tenet", or "key presupposition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Why is it important to identify the "core assumption" in an argument?

Identifying the "core assumption" helps to clarify the foundation of the argument, making it easier to evaluate its validity and potential weaknesses. Recognizing the "underlying principle" allows for more effective critique and refinement.