core premise

USAGE SUMMARY

"core premise" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the main point, argument, or basis of a larger idea or argument. For example, "The core premise of the novel is that truth and fiction exist as two sides of the same coin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

And over three decades that core premise -- and the basic delivery -- scarcely changed.

The New York Times - Books

"It fits the core premise of librarianship, that it's not just about putting something in someone's hands but contextualizing it".

The New York Times - Arts

Those who suggest that the movie's core premise — war as a profit engine — is so five years ago are right in a way.

The New York Times

He has expanded on its core premise, a concept of musical awareness contingent on physical experience, in subsequent writings, for both an academic and a general readership.

The New York Times - Arts

The word "novel" implies something fresh, unprecedented, but it's a core premise of traditional Judaism that after biblical times, nothing really new ever occurs.

The New York Times - Books

Their core premise — that greater government involvement in health care provision spells disaster — lacks support in the wealth of evidence from around the world that bears on it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

(That was in 1997-8, but none of the core premises for that conclusion have changed much).

The New York Times

The strategy for combatting MS-13 rests on one of the core premises of American immigration enforcement: undocumented immigrants have far fewer legal rights than citizens do.

The New Yorker

I had stumbled on one of the core premises of the book, he said: "Within each of us, there is this calculating gangster".

The New York Times

When Notation Capital first launched, it was based on a few core premises.

TechCrunch

While they have been very influential historically, especially their Christian variants, as theoretical propositions I believe they rest on core premises which are too contentious and exclusionary.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "core premise", ensure it accurately represents the most fundamental and indispensable element of your argument or concept. A weak or flawed core premise can undermine the entire structure of your reasoning.

Common error

Avoid presenting a secondary or supporting idea as the "core premise". The core premise should be the bedrock belief upon which everything else depends. If your 'core premise' can be easily removed without affecting your argument, is likely is not a core premise at all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "core premise" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the fundamental assumption or basis of an argument, theory, or concept. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where it serves as the central idea upon which other ideas are built.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "core premise" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that serves to identify the foundational assumption or belief underpinning an argument, theory, or concept. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its common usage across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and Scientific domains. To effectively use this phrase, ensure that it accurately represents the most fundamental element of your reasoning, and avoid mistaking secondary ideas for the true core. Alternatives such as ""fundamental principle"" and ""central assumption"" can be employed to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

central assumption

Focuses on the aspect of being an assumed truth, rather than a foundational element.

fundamental principle

Emphasizes the foundational and guiding nature of the concept.

basic tenet

Highlights the aspect of being a doctrine or belief held as true.

key concept

Underscores the importance and centrality of the idea.

primary proposition

Stresses the assertive nature of the foundational statement.

underlying assumption

Highlights the tacit, often unstated, nature of the premise.

foundational idea

Emphasizes the aspect of providing a base or foundation for further development.

essential element

Focuses on the necessity of the component for the whole.

starting point

Highlights the initial stage or assumption from which reasoning begins.

central hypothesis

Emphasizes that the premise is a testable proposition.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "core premise" in a sentence?

Use "core premise" to introduce the foundational idea or assumption that underlies an argument, theory, or concept. For example, "The "core premise" of this study is that early intervention leads to better outcomes."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "core premise"?

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

Is "core premise" the same as "main idea"?

While related, "core premise" and "main idea" are not identical. The "core premise" is a foundational assumption or belief, whereas the "main idea" is the central point or message being conveyed. The main idea often builds upon the core premise.

How do I identify the "core premise" of an argument?

To identify the "core premise", ask yourself what underlying belief or assumption the argument depends on. What must be true for the argument to hold? The answer is likely the core premise.