false premises

USAGE SUMMARY

"false premises" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to assumptions that are not based on true facts. For example, "He argued his case using false premises about the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Both are false premises.

The New York Times

a. False premises and a true conclusion.

The New York Times

False premises and a false conclusion.

The New York Times

Begin with false premises and you risk reaching false conclusions.

The New Yorker

But this is an unproductive agenda based on false premises.

The Guardian - Opinion

"What does it mean to live under false premises?" she asks.

The New Yorker

The arguments for burying dangerous nuclear waste in Nevada are based on false premises.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

That was a false premise.

The Guardian

But it is a false premise.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mark Lilla's essay "Church Meets State" (May 15) rests on a false premise.

The New York Times

But their calculation is based on a false premise.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "false premises", ensure the context clearly indicates which specific assumptions are incorrect. Substantiate your claim by providing evidence or reasoning that reveals the falsehood.

Common error

Avoid stating that an entire argument is based on "false premises" without identifying which specific premises are flawed. Instead, specify the incorrect assumptions and explain how they undermine the argument's validity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "false premises" typically functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It identifies the incorrect or flawed foundational statements upon which an argument, theory, or belief system is based. These premises are presented as factual but are, in reality, untrue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

28%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "false premises" is a noun phrase denoting incorrect foundational statements used in an argument or belief system. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Its function is primarily critical, aiming to undermine flawed reasoning. The phrase is most frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. Alternative phrases include "incorrect assumptions" and "flawed assumptions". When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in specifying which premises are false and how they impact the overall argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incorrect assumptions

Focuses on the inaccuracy of the assumptions themselves.

flawed assumptions

Highlights the defects or weaknesses in the assumptions.

invalid premises

Focuses on the logical structure of the argument being built on the premises.

erroneous presuppositions

A more formal way of saying false assumptions, emphasizing that they were taken for granted beforehand.

misleading assumptions

Highlights that the assumptions lead to incorrect conclusions.

unfounded beliefs

Emphasizes the lack of a solid basis for the beliefs.

deceptive foundations

Implies the premises are intentionally misleading.

spurious suppositions

Indicates that the suppositions are false and possibly illegitimate.

baseless claims

Emphasizes the absence of evidence for the claims.

untenable propositions

Focuses on the indefensibility of the propositions.

FAQs

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

You can use "false premises" to describe the flawed foundation of an argument or belief system. For instance, "The politician's economic plan was built on "false premises" about market behavior".

What's the difference between "false premises" and "incorrect assumptions"?

"False premises" and "incorrect assumptions" are quite similar. "False premises" often refers to the foundational statements of an argument, while "incorrect assumptions" can be a broader term for any inaccurate belief.

What are some alternatives to using "false premises" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "flawed assumptions", "invalid premises", or "unfounded beliefs". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can an argument with "false premises" ever lead to a true conclusion?

Yes, an argument can technically have "false premises" and still arrive at a true conclusion, although the reasoning would be invalid. This is because the conclusion might be true for reasons unrelated to the argument's premises.