premise

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'premise' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that means a statement or idea that is used as a basis for an argument or an action. You can use it when introducing an idea or when referring to the basis of a particular argument or action. For example: The premise behind my argument is that taxes should be lowered to stimulate economic growth.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The premise is simple.

Forbes

The first, based on the premise of retaining yes and no as response options, is the format currently in the referendum bill.

The Guardian

As Maggie O'Farrell put it in her Guardian review: "The stories wrap themselves around the wholly disconcerting premise that catastrophes can rear up in anyone's life without warning".

The Guardian

CROSSY ROAD iOS/Android (freemium) The most addictive mobile game in recent memory, this takes the road-crossing premise of arcade classic Frogger, then runs (well, hops) with it.

The Guardian - Tech

"In addition, the executing officer or a person assisting is empowered to leave a warrant premise temporarily and subsequently re-enter to continue the execution of the warrant in certain instances where, for example, the occupier returns home and the covert nature of the warrant is at risk.

The Guardian

The premise of the show is that Adam West plays an out-of work actor who used to be a cop on television.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

With polls suggesting that a guiding premise of Obama's foreign policy – "Don't do stupid shit" – fell out of favour with the American public almost two years ago, the questions 19 months from Election Day start at Foggy Bottom and spread across the globe: how far might candidate Clinton go to distance herself from secretary Clinton?

The Guardian

To let French studies go the way of classics – a museum piece for specialists – would not only be an act of cultural vandalism, but also a direct attack on the premise of social mobility in Britain.

The Guardian - Opinion

He should look beyond Muslims | Deepa Iyer and Linda Sarsour "We must never accept the premise that they put forward because it is a lie.

The Guardian

But their calculation is based on a false premise.

The Guardian - Business

It's made out of teacups and dolls and at one point it opens a garage door using a trombone and an ironing board!" And you'd be right – in fact, it was inspired by Rube Goldberg, with the premise being that girls' toys are too pink and boring, and don't unleash a child's creativity quite like toys for boys.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a "premise", clearly articulate its relevance to the subsequent argument or discussion. Ensure it's easily understood to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid presenting your conclusion as the "premise". The premise is the foundation; the conclusion is what you build upon it. State the foundation before presenting the result.

Linguistic Context

The word "premise" functions primarily as a noun, representing a proposition or statement that serves as the basis for an argument or inference. As Ludwig highlights, it's often used to introduce a foundational idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "premise" is a very common noun used to establish a foundational idea or assumption, often in argumentation or storytelling. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly featured in news and media, it also holds relevance in formal business and scientific contexts. When writing, ensure the "premise" is clear and directly relevant to the subsequent content. Avoid confusing it with the conclusion. Consider using alternatives like "assumption" or "hypothesis" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assumption

Emphasizes a belief taken for granted, potentially without proof.

hypothesis

Suggests a tentative explanation that requires testing.

supposition

Highlights an uncertain belief or conjecture.

basis

Focuses on the foundation or groundwork upon which something rests.

foundation

Implies a solid and fundamental base for an idea or argument.

underlying principle

Stresses the core idea that guides a concept or system.

starting point

Highlights the initial stage or idea from which a process begins.

core belief

Emphasizes a fundamental conviction that shapes understanding.

fundamental concept

Highlights the essential idea that defines a subject.

given

Indicates something accepted as true without proof.

FAQs

How to use "premise" in a sentence?

The word "premise" is used to describe a statement or idea that forms the basis for a conclusion. For example: "The study was based on the premise that exercise improves cognitive function."

What can I say instead of "premise"?

You can use alternatives like "assumption", "hypothesis", or "supposition" depending on the context.

Is "premise" a formal word?

While suitable for formal writing, "premise" is also commonly used in general contexts. Its formality depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

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

"Premise" is a statement used as a basis for an argument, while "assumption" is a belief taken for granted. A premise is usually stated explicitly, whereas an assumption may be implicit.