fundamental assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamental assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a basic belief or principle that underlies a theory, argument, or system. Example: "The fundamental assumption of this study is that all participants will respond honestly to the survey questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That fundamental assumption holds women back".

The New Yorker

So the fundamental assumption is that there is a set of norms.

The New York Times

Underlying private initiatives is a fundamental assumption that charitable giving will continue unabated.

The New York Times

A fundamental assumption that hobbled the military's planning was that Iraq's ministries and institutions would continue to function after Mr. Hussein's government was toppled.

The New York Times

The fundamental assumption of "the end of history" thesis was that the West would remain the beacon for the world in democracy and human rights.

The New York Times

This poorly designed policy stop gap operates on the fundamental assumption that young people left to their own devices will end up as welfare dependant ne'er-do-wells.

The Guardian - Opinion

This response is correct, Hegel argues, because it "refutes the fundamental assumption of such a 'science' of conjecture — that the reality of a man is his face, etc.

The New Yorker

The fundamental assumption behind this argument is that rich people are able to pick up and go when conditions no longer suit them.

The New Yorker

The fundamental assumption of the Almagest is that the apparently irregular movements of the heavenly bodies are in reality combinations of regular, uniform, circular motions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Step by step, Hubble and his contemporaries piled up evidence for the fundamental assumption that has since guided the astronomy of the extragalactic universe, the uniformity of nature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If there's a limitation to this lively, luminous book, it's Macfarlane's fundamental assumption about why people walk — and who gets to do so.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fundamental assumption", clearly articulate the assumption itself to avoid ambiguity and ensure your audience understands the basis of your argument.

Common error

Avoid making unstated or poorly defined assumptions. Always make the "fundamental assumption" explicit, as leaving it implicit can lead to misunderstandings and flawed reasoning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental assumption" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a core belief or principle upon which a theory, argument, or system is based. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fundamental assumption" is a versatile and commonly used term across diverse fields like science, news, and encyclopedias. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It denotes a core belief or principle that underlies a theory, argument, or system. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; explicitly stating the assumption prevents ambiguity. Alternatives such as "basic premise" or "core belief" can be used depending on the context. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of its usage, equipping writers to effectively integrate it into their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic premise

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of the assumption, highlighting its role as a starting point.

core belief

Focuses on the deeply held nature of the assumption, suggesting it's a central tenet.

underlying principle

Highlights the role of the assumption as a guiding rule or law.

foundational concept

Stresses the role of the assumption as a building block for further understanding.

primary tenet

Emphasizes the importance and centrality of the assumption within a system of beliefs.

essential presupposition

Highlights that the assumption is taken for granted and is necessary for what follows.

key hypothesis

Positions the assumption as a testable proposition that is central to an argument or investigation.

central axiom

Indicates that the assumption is a self-evident truth upon which a system of thought is based.

basic supposition

Highlights the act of supposing or assuming something to be true as a starting point.

root assumption

Emphasizes the fundamental and deeply embedded nature of the assumption.

FAQs

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

You can use "fundamental assumption" to introduce a basic belief or principle that underlies a theory or argument. For example: "The "fundamental assumption" of this study is that all participants will respond honestly."

What are some alternatives to "fundamental assumption"?

Some alternatives include "basic premise", "core belief", or "underlying principle", depending on the specific context. You can also use more formal terms such as "essential presupposition" or "primary tenet".

What makes an assumption "fundamental"?

A "fundamental assumption" is one that is essential to the structure or reasoning of a theory, argument, or system. It is a core belief upon which other ideas are based, and without it, the entire framework might collapse.

Why is it important to identify the "fundamental assumption"?

Identifying the "fundamental assumption" is crucial for evaluating the validity of an argument or theory. By understanding the underlying basis, you can assess whether the assumption is reasonable and whether the conclusions drawn from it are justified. If the assumption is flawed, the entire argument may be invalid.