tacit premise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tacit premise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an underlying assumption that is not explicitly stated but is understood in a discussion or argument. Example: "The author's argument relies on a tacit premise that all readers share the same cultural background."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The tacit premise of "Historical Society Shifts Focus With Its Shift in Leadership" (news article, June 23) is that the New-York Historical Society has been captured by a right-wing cabal and that its forthcoming exhibition on Alexander Hamilton proves the point.

The New York Times

This statement utterly relies on a tacit premise that assumes that the pathogenetic process depends on alterations in a discrete number of signalling pathways, thought to carry "instructive" biological "information".

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

So far, the replies to the reductio have been "combative" in that they seek to undermine some tacit or explicit premise therein.

SEP

Its tacit indulgence reinforces the premise that the rules don't count.

The New Yorker

We must care about preserving the rights of our fellow Americans, and not be misled into tacitly supporting the subjugation of some under the premise that others should have the right to oppress them.

Huffington Post

This fallacy is committed when a general proposition is used as the premise for an argument without attention to the (tacit) restrictions and qualifications that govern it and invalidate its application in the manner at issue.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Presidents have differed in the degree to which they have tolerated or tacitly supported Israel's ongoing settlement construction, yet the State Department's basic premise that they are illegal is still official U.S. policy.

Huffington Post

It gives tacit approval.

Independent

The premise?

The New York Times

Tabloidus: Her agreement was tacit.

The New Yorker

So, by tacit agreement, they fought-fought.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tacit premise", ensure the context makes it clear what the unstated assumption is. This enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid building arguments that heavily rely on a "tacit premise" without acknowledging it. Explicitly stating the premise, even briefly, can strengthen your reasoning and make it more persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tacit premise" functions as a noun phrase, where "tacit" modifies "premise". It's used to identify an underlying assumption that is not explicitly stated but is understood or implied in an argument, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tacit premise" refers to an unstated assumption underlying an argument or situation. While grammatically correct, it's relatively rare in everyday conversation but is commonly found in formal analysis and academic discussions. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides real-world examples. When using this phrase, ensure that the context provides sufficient clues about the unstated assumption to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "unspoken assumption" or "implied premise" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unspoken assumption

Focuses on the implicit nature of the assumption, highlighting that it's not explicitly stated.

implied premise

Emphasizes that the premise is suggested or inferred rather than directly expressed.

unstated assumption

Directly points out that the assumption remains unsaid.

underlying assumption

Highlights that the assumption is fundamental and foundational to the argument.

implicit assumption

Similar to unspoken or implied, stressing the indirect nature of the assumption.

tacit understanding

Shifts the focus from a premise to a broader agreement or comprehension that is unexpressed.

hidden assumption

Suggests that the assumption may be intentionally concealed or not easily recognized.

unacknowledged premise

Emphasizes that the premise is not openly admitted or recognized.

presupposition

A formal term for something assumed beforehand, which may not be explicitly stated.

inferred assumption

Highlights that the assumption must be deduced from the available information.

FAQs

What does "tacit premise" mean?

A "tacit premise" is an unspoken or unexpressed assumption that is taken for granted in an argument or situation. It's not explicitly stated but is understood or implied.

How can I identify a "tacit premise" in an argument?

Look for gaps in the reasoning or assumptions that the speaker or writer doesn't explicitly state but seems to believe are true. Question what must be true for the argument to hold.

What are some alternatives to "tacit premise"?

You can use alternatives like "unspoken assumption", "implied premise", or "unstated assumption" to convey a similar meaning.

Why is it important to recognize "tacit premises"?

Recognizing "tacit premises" allows for a deeper understanding and critical evaluation of arguments. It can reveal potential weaknesses or biases that are not immediately apparent.