the premise behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the premise behind" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it whenever you are referring to the basics or foundation of an idea, argument, or plan. For example, "The premise behind our plan is that having a stronger online presence will help us increase sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's the premise behind adoption.

The New York Times - Magazine

I don't understand the premise behind it".

The Guardian

"I understand the premise behind it," Woods said.

The New York Times

That's the premise behind Irredeemable, a series written by Mark Waid and illustrated by Peter Krause.

The New York Times

Of course, the premise behind these upgrades is that the settlements are here to stay.

The New York Times

The premise behind all this is that a little fun translates into a lot of productivity.

The New York Times

That's the premise behind Xfire, software that bills itself as "the instant messenger for gamers".

The New York Times - Tech

The premise behind celebrating the New Year falters as the years go by.

The New York Times - Arts

That, more or less, is the premise behind the latest feature on the league's Web site.

The New York Times - Sports

But the basic idea, the premise behind what I do, is to just make things better.

The New York Times

That is the premise behind MaxMyInterest, a year-old electronic service aimed at slothful but yield-hungry savers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the premise behind", ensure that the premise itself is well-defined and logical. A weak or unclear premise can undermine the entire structure of your argument or narrative.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone understands the premise you're referring to. Always articulate the premise clearly, even if it seems obvious to you, to ensure that your audience is on the same page.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the premise behind" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to introduce the underlying foundation, idea, or assumption upon which something is based. This helps establish context and understanding, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the premise behind" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that introduces the fundamental idea or reasoning upon which something is based. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English across diverse contexts. Its frequency is very common, appearing most often in news media and scientific sources. To ensure clarity in your writing, always clearly articulate the premise to avoid assumptions. Consider using alternatives like "the rationale for" or "the basis for" to add variety to your writing. This phrase is a valuable tool for establishing a solid foundation for your arguments and explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the basis for

Highlights the fundamental groundwork or support.

the concept behind

Emphasizes the idea or notion.

the foundation of

Stresses the underlying structure or support.

the reasoning behind

Emphasizes the thought process or logic.

the thinking behind

Focuses on the rationale and considerations.

the rationale for

Focuses on the justification or logical basis.

the idea underpinning

Stresses the fundamental idea supporting something.

the principle underlying

Draws attention to the core tenet or belief.

the motivation for

Highlights the driving force or reason.

the theory upon which it's based

Explains that we are talking about the scientific theory.

FAQs

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

You can use "the premise behind" to introduce the fundamental idea or assumption that something is based on. For example, "The premise behind the experiment was that increased sunlight would improve plant growth."

What are some alternatives to "the premise behind"?

Some alternatives include "the rationale for", "the basis for", or "the reasoning behind" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the premise of" instead of "the premise behind"?

While "the premise of" is also correct, "the premise behind" is often used to specifically highlight the reasoning or foundational logic supporting something, rather than simply stating the premise itself.

What's the difference between "the assumption behind" and "the premise behind"?

"The assumption behind" emphasizes a belief taken for granted, while "the premise behind" stresses a proposition used to form a conclusion. A premise is typically a more deliberate and reasoned starting point than an assumption.