the first premise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the first premise" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used when discussing an argument or logical reasoning, as a premise is a proposition or statement on which an argument is based. "The first premise" refers to the initial or primary statement in a series of premises. Example: In order to prove her point, the speaker presented three premises. The first premise was that education is the key to personal growth and success.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So the first premise is uncontroversial.

Yale University

So maybe the first premise didn't hold up.

The New Yorker

He said he much preferred the first premise.

The New York Times - Science

The first premise of game-playing is that nobody rebels against the game itself.

The New York Times

Grant the first premise of hedonism and you must accept the rest also.

The New Yorker

The first premise relies on the continentals being conciliatory, when in fact they'll be acrimonious.

The Guardian - Opinion

The first premise was that Saddam had not complied with the U.N. treaty imposed after the Gulf War.

University of Pennsylvania

The first premise is that Kennedy was a very good president, and might have been a great one if he'd lived.

The New York Times

For example, the second figure syllogism can be reduced to a first figure syllogism by simply converting the first premise to the equivalent "No B is A".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Moorean response denies the first premise.

SEP

The second question concerns the first premise.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure "the first premise" is logically sound and well-supported. A weak initial premise can undermine the entire argument, regardless of how strong the subsequent premises may be.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "the first premise" is universally understood or accepted without providing sufficient justification or evidence. Clearly articulate its meaning and relevance to avoid ambiguity or disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first premise" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the initial statement or proposition in an argument or logical sequence. As Ludwig AI's analysis indicates, it is often found in academic, news, and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

Science

30%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first premise" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves as the foundation of an argument. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's commonly employed in academic, scientific, and news contexts to introduce the initial statement or proposition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. When writing, ensure that your "the first premise" is clearly defined and well-supported to establish a solid base for your reasoning. Alternative phrases like "the initial proposition" or "the primary assumption" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the initial proposition

Replaces 'premise' with 'proposition', focusing on the statement being presented.

the primary assumption

Substitutes 'premise' with 'assumption', highlighting the underlying belief.

the starting point

Emphasizes the beginning of an argument or line of reasoning.

the foundational statement

Highlights the base or groundwork nature of the premise.

the original assertion

Focuses on the act of declaring something as true or factual at the beginning.

the basic tenet

Emphasizes the principle or belief held as true.

the fundamental principle

Replaces 'premise' to indicate an underlying rule or law.

the core argument

Emphasizes the central idea being argued.

the leading reason

Highlights the primary justification or cause.

the antecedent condition

Focuses on a condition that must be met before others.

FAQs

How can I effectively introduce "the first premise" in an argument?

Start by clearly stating the issue you're addressing, then introduce "the first premise" as the foundation upon which your argument will be built. Use clear and concise language to ensure your audience understands its significance.

What makes a strong "first premise"?

A strong "first premise" is clear, concise, and well-supported by evidence or logical reasoning. It should be relevant to the issue at hand and provide a solid foundation for the rest of your argument.

How does "the first premise" differ from subsequent premises?

"The first premise" sets the stage for the entire argument. Subsequent premises build upon it, providing additional evidence or reasoning to support the overall conclusion. Without a solid "first premise", the rest of the argument may lack a cohesive foundation.

What are some alternatives to saying "the first premise"?

You can use alternatives like "the initial proposition", "the primary assumption", or "the "starting point"" depending on the context.