the basic premise of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the basic premise of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing the fundamental idea or concept behind a theory, argument, or piece of writing. Example: "The basic premise of the novel is that love can transcend time and space."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The basic premise of their advert?

Independent

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

Protecting, that is, the basic premise of finance.

The Guardian

The basic premise of the service is simple.

The New York Times

Were there any surprises, given that the basic premise of the book is so well known?

The Guardian - Books

Judge Kram did not reject the basic premise of the agreement signed last year.

The New York Times

The basic premise of Too Human is a meld of science fiction and Norse mythology.

The New York Times - Arts

The basic premise of Silver's article is that House districts have been more polarized of late.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "the basic premise of [something]" with a concise summary of the concept. Use clear, straightforward language to articulate the essence of the premise you're introducing.

Common error

Avoid using "the basic premise of" to introduce a conclusion or outcome. This phrase should describe the starting point or foundation of an argument, not its result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the basic premise of" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It introduces the fundamental concept or assumption upon which an argument, theory, or system is based. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the basic premise of" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrase that serves to introduce the foundational concept or assumption underlying a discussion or argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a useful phrase in written English. The phrase is versatile, appearing across various contexts from news and media to scientific literature, although it leans toward a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the premise itself is clearly articulated for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the fundamental concept of

Replaces 'premise' with 'concept', focusing on the core idea.

the underlying principle of

Substitutes 'premise' with 'principle', emphasizing a guiding rule or foundation.

the central idea of

Uses 'idea' instead of 'premise', highlighting the main thought or notion.

the core assumption of

Replaces 'premise' with 'assumption', stressing a belief taken for granted.

the foundational basis of

Emphasizes the grounding or supporting structure.

the essential element of

Focuses on the critical and indispensable component.

the starting point of

Highlights the initial stage or assumption.

the key notion of

Uses 'notion' to refer to a general understanding or belief.

the gist of

Refers to the main point or essence in a more concise way.

the heart of the matter

Emphasizes the most important aspect or central concern.

FAQs

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

Use "the basic premise of" to introduce a foundational idea, assumption, or concept. For example: "The basic premise of the theory is that all matter is composed of atoms."

What phrases are similar to "the basic premise of"?

You can use alternatives like "the fundamental concept of", "the underlying principle of", or "the central idea of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the premise is basic" instead of "the basic premise"?

While grammatically correct, "the premise is basic" doesn't carry the same meaning as "the basic premise". The latter refers to the fundamental concept, whereas the former simply describes the premise as uncomplicated.

What's the difference between "the basic premise of" and "the main idea of"?

"The basic premise of" refers to the underlying assumption or starting point, while "the main idea of" refers to the central point or message. The premise sets the stage, while the main idea is the core message being conveyed.