the premise that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the premise that" is both correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a statement or idea that is used as the basis or starting point for an argument or discussion. For example, "The premise that everyone should have access to health care is one that many people can agree on."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The premise that methane should be independent of the solid hydrocarbons generating it could be flawed.

Geochemical Transactions

It's the premise that needs to be understood first.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not everyone accepts the premise that pro football is violent.

The New York Times - Sports

Therefore, under the premise that is identifiable, exist for all relays.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Experimental findings support the premise that the biology of RAGE extends beyond diabetes [ 10].

Arthritis Research and Therapy

It is based on the premise that accidents happen.

The Economist

The master rejects the premise that Jeter's performance is slipping.

The New York Times - Sports

None was disputing the premise that pollution is bad.

The Economist

Care starts from the premise that humans cannot survive alone.

The Washington Post

They operate from the premise that they are charming inadequates.

The New York Times - Style

And it's based on the premise that people are selfish.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the premise that", ensure the premise is clearly defined and relevant to your argument. Avoid using it to introduce vague or unsupported claims.

Common error

Avoid stating "the premise that" followed by a statement that lacks evidence or logical support. Always provide justification or context for the premise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the premise that" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a subordinate clause that expresses the foundation upon which an argument, theory, or belief is based. It sets the stage for subsequent reasoning, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

30%

Academia

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the premise that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce foundational assumptions across various domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound and appropriate for formal and informal contexts alike. It appears frequently in science, news, and academic writing, setting the stage for arguments and discussions. When employing "the premise that", clarify your assumptions to avoid ambiguity and ensure a solid foundation for your reasoning. Alternatives such as "the assumption that" and "the presupposition that" can offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the assumption that

Focuses on a belief accepted as true, potentially without proof.

the presupposition that

Highlights an assumption taken for granted, often unconsciously.

the supposition that

Suggests a tentative assumption made as a basis for reasoning.

the presumption that

Suggests an assumption made without concrete proof.

the starting point that

Focuses on the initial step or foundation of an argument.

the prerequisite that

Emphasizes a necessary condition rather than a foundational idea.

the understanding that

Emphasizes a mutual agreement or accepted knowledge.

the idea that

Presents a general concept rather than a structured premise.

the belief that

Highlights a conviction or faith-based acceptance.

the notion that

Introduces a concept or general idea, possibly less formalized.

FAQs

How do I use "the premise that" in a sentence?

Use "the premise that" to introduce a foundational assumption or idea upon which an argument or discussion is based. For example, "The argument rests on "the premise that" all humans are inherently good."

What are some alternatives to "the premise that"?

You can use alternatives such as "the assumption that", "the presupposition that", or "the idea that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider alternatives like "the presumption that" or "the belief that".

Is it always necessary to explicitly state "the premise that"?

No, explicitly stating "the premise that" is not always necessary. Sometimes the premise can be implied or introduced more subtly. Using "the presupposition that" allows for a more nuanced approach.

What's the difference between "the premise that" and "the hypothesis that"?

"The premise that" introduces a foundational assumption, while "the hypothesis that" introduces a testable statement. A hypothesis is subject to verification, while a premise is used as a starting point. You may test "the hypothesis that", while establishing "the premise that" is essential to building your argument.