faulty premise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "faulty premise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an argument or reasoning that is based on incorrect or flawed assumptions. Example: "The conclusion drawn from the study is invalid because it is based on a faulty premise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

But for many politicians, the refusal to raise tax rates rests on a faulty premise.

The New York Times

This is a faulty premise that ignores how pension funding works..

The New York Times

But proponents of civilian trials contended that such criticism was based on a faulty premise.

The New York Times

But it might be a misguided pursuit, based on a faulty premise.

The New York Times

The problem with all this analysis is that it begins on a faulty premise.

The Guardian - Opinion

The report disclosed that waterboarding and other techniques used were based on a faulty premise.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

The virtual destruction of the New York Public Library rests on faulty premises.

The Guardian - Opinion

A political campaign built on Obama's faulty premises cannot stand — or win.

The New York Times

Critics of the studies say they are based on faulty premises, insufficient data and flawed methodologies.

The New York Times

Milton Leitenberg, a prominent arms-control expert, has argued that the exercise relied on faulty premises to increase the death toll and "assure a disastrous outcome".

The New York Times - Magazine

This debate as to whether Woods would be part of the team, either on points or as one of Pavin's picks, had actually been moot all along, a water cooler contrivance rooted in faulty premises wrapped in logical fallacies.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "faulty premise", ensure that you can clearly identify and articulate what makes the premise flawed or incorrect. Provide evidence or reasoning to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of a "faulty premise". While a flawed premise can weaken an argument, it doesn't automatically invalidate the entire conclusion. Assess the overall impact accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "faulty premise" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a proposition or assumption that is flawed or incorrect, undermining the validity of any argument based upon it. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "faulty premise" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that denotes a flawed or incorrect assumption underlying an argument or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability across various domains. Its presence is particularly notable in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity and evidence are paramount to effectively communicate the nature of the flaw. While alternatives like "flawed assumption" or "invalid basis" exist, "faulty premise" remains a robust and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flawed assumption

Focuses on the incorrect assumption rather than the broader concept of a premise.

incorrect assumption

Emphasizes the factual inaccuracy of the underlying assumption.

false assumption

Highlights the falsity of the starting point.

invalid basis

Shifts focus to the lack of validity in the foundation of an argument.

unsound foundation

Implies a structural weakness in the underlying reasoning.

fallacious reasoning

Highlights the presence of a logical fallacy in the reasoning process.

erroneous belief

Emphasizes the incorrectness of the belief that serves as a starting point.

baseless argument

Highlights the lack of a solid foundation for the argument.

untenable proposition

Suggests that the proposition is indefensible or unsustainable.

misguided notion

Indicates that the idea is based on a misunderstanding or flawed perception.

FAQs

How can I identify a "faulty premise" in an argument?

Look for assumptions that are not supported by evidence, contradict known facts, or rely on logical fallacies. Also, consider whether the premise is relevant to the conclusion being drawn.

What can I say instead of "faulty premise"?

You can use alternatives like "flawed assumption", "incorrect assumption", or "invalid basis" depending on the specific context.

Is it always wrong to build an argument on a "faulty premise"?

Yes, because if a premise is faulty, any argument built upon it is likely to be unsound and lead to unreliable conclusions. It is crucial to ensure that the premises are accurate and well-supported.

What's the difference between "faulty premise" and "false premise"?

While both phrases indicate an incorrect starting point, "false premise" emphasizes the factual inaccuracy of the premise, while "faulty premise" can also refer to a premise that is logically flawed or irrelevant, even if not factually incorrect.