starting premise

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "starting premise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a basic idea or assumption at the beginning of an argument. For example: "Starting premise: All living creatures must consume food to survive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Of course, its starting premise is that North Korea is perfect, so "reform" is unthinkable.

The Economist

The starting premise and your own belief about what you're doing matters a lot".

The New York Times

So what was the starting premise with Bush? "The Bush approach is more about the party.

The Guardian

That is the starting premise of Chaos Walking, and of how Siobhan wrote.

The Guardian - Books

Our starting premise is that Letterman remained continually unbearded all this time, but do we know that to be true?

The New Yorker

The starting premise of the field is that the brain has a vast evolutionary history, and that this history shapes human nature.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Starting from that premise, the analysts then mined the Nazis' public pronouncements for more insights.

The New Yorker

"You cannot get to a conclusion without starting with the premise.

The New York Times

"I'm starting from the premise that no one's going to be happy.

The New York Times

A starting — and false — premise of the public, and some politicians, is that the deficit is spiraling out of control.

The New York Times

That critique has serious flaws, starting with the premise that jazz possessed a fundamental purity in the first place.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the "starting premise" to introduce the core idea of your argument. This helps readers grasp the underlying foundation of your reasoning.

Common error

Avoid stating a "starting premise" without providing initial justification or context. Readers need to understand why that premise is relevant and reasonable before accepting it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting premise" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a foundational assumption or proposition at the beginning of an argument, theory, or discussion. Ludwig provides examples across diverse contexts, confirming its role in setting the stage for subsequent reasoning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "starting premise" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a foundational assumption or proposition at the beginning of an argument or discussion. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's prevalent across various reputable sources, including news, science, and formal publications. To effectively use it, clearly define the premise and provide sufficient context. Be mindful of potential unsubstantiated claims and adapt your argument if the premise proves incorrect. Alternatives such as "initial assumption" or "foundational concept" can be used depending on the specific context. This phrase helps establish a common ground and clarity in analytical discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial assumption

Replaces 'premise' with 'assumption', focusing on the act of assuming something at the beginning.

basic assumption

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the assumption.

foundational concept

Emphasizes the role of the premise as a fundamental idea.

initial proposition

Focuses on the starting point of a discussion or argument as a proposed statement.

underlying principle

Highlights the basic rule or belief that supports a line of reasoning.

primary principle

Highlights the importance of the principle in guiding subsequent reasoning.

fundamental proposition

Replaces both 'starting' and 'premise' with synonyms, maintaining a formal tone.

given assumption

Implies the assumption is pre-established or agreed upon.

core belief

Emphasizes the belief aspect of the premise, suggesting a more personal or ideological basis.

working hypothesis

Highlights the experimental nature of the premise, suggesting it's subject to testing.

FAQs

How can I effectively introduce a "starting premise" in my writing?

Begin by stating it clearly and concisely, then provide context or justification to help your audience understand its relevance and importance. For instance, you could say: "The "starting premise" of this analysis is..."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "starting premise"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "initial assumption", "foundational concept", or "underlying principle". Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific meaning you intend to convey.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state the "starting premise"?

While not always required, explicitly stating the "starting premise" can enhance clarity and prevent misunderstandings, especially in complex arguments. It ensures that everyone is on the same page from the outset.

What if my "starting premise" is later proven wrong?

Acknowledge the change and adjust your argument accordingly. Intellectual honesty is crucial. You might say, "While our "starting premise" was X, new evidence suggests Y, and therefore..."