fundamental premise

USAGE SUMMARY

"fundamental premise" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a basic assumption or principle that underlies an argument or serves as the foundation for a theory. For example, "The fundamental premise of the budget is that spending should align with revenue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lovins's fundamental premise is that this fundamental premise is wrong.

The New Yorker

No one responds to that fundamental premise".

The New York Times

This is the fundamental premise for ecodesign.

Urban Energy Transition From Fossil Fuels to Renewable Power

"That's the fundamental premise of the Interfaith Youth Core's work".

The New York Times

And of course I don't agree with your fundamental premise.

The New Yorker

While he is a deft writer, the fundamental premise driving his narrative smacks of overreaching.

The New York Times - Books

And the fundamental premise, that environmental regulation destroys jobs, is simply wrong.

The New York Times

Then there's the fundamental premise of the show, which is that books have been made obsolete.

The New Yorker

Still, her fundamental premise that you are ultimately responsible for your money is sound.

The New York Times

They haven't succeeded in moving actual votes, however, because the fundamental premise is simply not true.

The New York Times

It sounds simplistic, but each of us have experienced this fundamental premise in our nations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a "fundamental premise", provide context or evidence to support its validity, especially if it's not universally accepted. This strengthens your argument and enhances credibility.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "fundamental premise" is self-evident. Even if it seems obvious, briefly explain why it is valid or relevant to your discussion. Failing to do so can weaken your argument and alienate your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental premise" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies a foundational assumption or principle. As Ludwig shows, it's often used to introduce a core concept upon which an argument, theory, or system is built. Ludwig AI also indicates that this usage is correct and appropriate in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fundamental premise" serves as a crucial tool in academic, scientific, news and media, and business contexts to pinpoint and communicate the underlying bedrock of an argument, theory, or system. As Ludwig AI verifies, its grammatical correctness and common usage make it a reliable choice for establishing shared understanding. The phrase's strength lies in its ability to clearly signal the foundational assumptions guiding subsequent reasoning, as demonstrated through many examples. Related phrases, such as "core assumption" or "basic principle", offer nuanced alternatives. Remembering to justify the premise, rather than assuming it's self-evident, represents a best practice to strengthen the user's writing. In conclusion, mastering the art of deploying "fundamental premise" effectively allows the user to bolster the structure and clarity of their arguments and theories.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core assumption

Focuses on the aspect of assumption rather than foundation.

basic principle

Highlights the principle-based nature of the foundation.

foundational concept

Emphasizes the conceptual nature of the foundation.

underlying assumption

Stresses the hidden or implicit nature of the assumption.

primary tenet

Emphasizes a belief or doctrine aspect.

central idea

Focuses on the idea as being the most important.

key presupposition

Highlights the act of presupposing or taking for granted.

essential foundation

Underscores the crucial and necessary nature of the foundation.

starting point

Emphasizes the beginning stage of reasoning or building an argument.

initial proposition

Focuses on the proposal or statement that begins a line of reasoning.

FAQs

How to use "fundamental premise" in a sentence?

You can use "fundamental premise" to introduce a foundational assumption or principle that underlies an argument or theory. For example, "The "fundamental premise" of the study is that early childhood experiences significantly impact adult behavior".

What can I say instead of "fundamental premise"?

You can use alternatives like "core assumption", "basic principle", or "foundational concept" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "fundamental premise" or "basic premise"?

Both "fundamental premise" and "basic premise" are correct, but "fundamental premise" is often used to emphasize the foundational importance of the assumption, while "basic premise" may simply indicate a starting point. The choice depends on the context and the specific emphasis you want to convey.

What's the difference between "fundamental premise" and "underlying assumption"?

"Fundamental premise" typically refers to a clearly stated or recognized foundational principle, while "underlying assumption" often implies a less explicit or even unacknowledged assumption. The "fundamental premise" is usually openly declared as the basis for an argument, while the "underlying assumption" may need to be uncovered or inferred.