the basic premise

USAGE SUMMARY

"the basic premise" is a correct phrase that is often used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the fundamental underlying idea or assumption of something. For example, "The basic premise of the theory is that the universe is expanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The basic premise of their advert?

Independent

So what's the basic premise?

The Guardian

The basic premise, though, is not unfamiliar.

The New York Times - Arts

The basic premise is very similar.

The Guardian

It's the basic premise of international feminism.

The Guardian

"They've accepted the basic premise of aggressive modernization".

The New York Times

He disagrees with the basic premise of the bill, though.

The Guardian

It is the basic premise of how our digits work".

The Guardian - Books

New Yorkers would not buy the basic premise.

The New York Times

Let's look at the basic premise,' " he said.

The New York Times

The basic premise of the service is simple.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the basic premise", ensure that you clearly articulate the premise itself so that your audience understands the foundation of your argument or concept.

Common error

Avoid using "the basic premise" without clearly stating what that premise is. If the premise is not explicitly defined, your audience may misinterpret your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the basic premise" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a fundamental assumption or foundational idea upon which an argument, theory, or concept is based. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's commonly used to refer to underlying ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the basic premise" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that introduces the foundational idea or assumption underlying an argument or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, to establish a common understanding. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure that you articulate the premise itself to avoid misinterpretations. Consider alternative phrases like "the underlying assumption" or "the core concept" to fine-tune your message. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively use "the basic premise" to enhance clarity and foster comprehension in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the underlying assumption

Focuses on the assumption that supports an idea or argument.

the core concept

Highlights the central idea or principle.

the fundamental principle

Emphasizes a foundational rule or belief.

the central tenet

Stresses a key doctrine or belief of a system.

the foundational idea

Highlights the idea upon which something is built.

the starting point

Indicates the initial idea or assumption.

the primary assumption

Focuses on the main assumption being made.

the main idea

Highlights the most important idea or theme.

the gist

Refers to the essential part or abstract of a matter.

the essence

Emphasizes the intrinsic nature or core quality.

FAQs

How can I use "the basic premise" in a sentence?

You can use "the basic premise" to introduce the core idea of an argument, theory, or concept. For example, "The basic premise of this study is that early intervention improves outcomes."

What phrases are similar to "the basic premise"?

Alternatives include "the underlying assumption", "the core concept", or "the fundamental principle" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "basic premise" or "underlying assumption"?

Both phrases are valid, but "basic premise" typically refers to the foundational idea, while "underlying assumption" often refers to an idea that is implicitly accepted but not explicitly stated.

What is the difference between "the basic premise" and "the main point"?

"The basic premise" refers to the underlying assumption or foundation of an argument, while "the main point" refers to the central idea or conclusion being presented.