guiding premise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "guiding premise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the foundational idea or principle that directs or influences a particular argument, theory, or project. Example: "The guiding premise of our research is that sustainable practices can lead to long-term economic benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Their guiding premise is that the social and human implications of technology are a first concern.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But unlike those series, whose guiding premise is that too much is never enough, "Vikings" isn't afraid to leave certain things to the imagination.

The New York Times - Arts

This is, and must be, the guiding premise of all religious and individual practice, for it is the message of caring and understanding for all peoples.

The New York Times

As the logo portrays, our guiding premise is that a new composite stage of worldwide knowledge is just now emerging from the contributions of all people together.

Yale University

At the same time, she makes each track a concise episode, usually with a clear guiding premise: ticktock pizzicato on "They Live On," intervallic tension on "Forcelessness," surging propulsion on the title track.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Miranda, who has been the director since 1989, said her guiding premise was that the library had to be reinvented for a new generation of children and their parents.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Mixed materials and found objects play a formative role in guiding the premise of the exhibition.

HuffPost

The guiding, poll-driven premise was that if Gore drew within 10 points of Bush, the Bradley challenge would disappear.

The New York Times - Magazine

The premise guiding the development of the game-based appointment system is that information and communication technologies may facilitate the access to health services for youth regarding sexual health and the prevention of STDs, as well as increase their knowledge about STDs.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

First, some might question the premises guiding our proxy indicators of knowledge value.

British Journal of Cancer

Thesis 5 can thus be treated as a premise or guiding principle of the set and might be the main theme.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "guiding premise", ensure it accurately reflects the most fundamental assumption or principle that shapes your argument or project. Be clear about how this premise influences subsequent reasoning.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "guiding premise" as universally applicable when it only holds true within specific contexts. Acknowledge limitations and potential counterarguments to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "guiding premise" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a core assumption or principle. As Ludwig AI confirms, it sets the stage for subsequent reasoning. It is frequently used to introduce the fundamental idea that informs a particular approach, study, or argument.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

50%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "guiding premise" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase, primarily used in academic, journalistic, and scientific contexts to denote the fundamental assumption or principle that underlies an argument or project. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable. Its purpose is to establish a clear foundation for understanding. While there are several alternative phrases available, such as "underlying principle" or "central tenet", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using "guiding premise", be mindful of potentially overstating its scope and clearly articulate its influence on subsequent reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underlying principle

Replaces "premise" with "principle", emphasizing a fundamental truth or assumption.

central tenet

Substitutes both words to highlight a core belief or doctrine.

fundamental assumption

Focuses on the assumed nature of the guiding idea.

core belief

Emphasizes the belief aspect of the guiding idea.

basic principle

Uses "basic" to convey simplicity and fundamentality.

key assumption

Highlights the importance of the assumption.

main idea

Offers a more general and less formal alternative.

driving force

Shifts the focus to the causal power of the premise.

primary consideration

Emphasizes the importance of the premise in decision-making.

foundational concept

Highlights the role of the premise as a basis for further development.

FAQs

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

Use "guiding premise" to introduce the core assumption or belief that underpins a particular argument, theory, or project. For instance, "The guiding premise of this study is that early intervention significantly improves outcomes for at-risk children."

What are some alternatives to "guiding premise" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "underlying principle", "central tenet", or "fundamental assumption".

Is it always necessary to explicitly state the "guiding premise" in my writing?

While not always mandatory, explicitly stating the "guiding premise" can enhance clarity and transparency, especially in academic or formal writing. It allows readers to understand the foundational basis of your reasoning.

How does a "guiding premise" differ from a hypothesis?

A "guiding premise" is a foundational assumption or belief, while a hypothesis is a testable statement. The "guiding premise" informs the development of hypotheses, which are then tested through research.