the proposition behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the proposition behind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the underlying idea or argument that supports a particular statement or theory. Example: "The proposition behind this theory is that human behavior is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That is the proposition behind a new Web site called Daybees, which went live in Britain last month and plans to expand to the United States and other countries soon.

The New York Times - Tech

This in essence, was the proposition behind my possibly imprudent choice of EZchip as my new Qualcomm.

Forbes

That's the proposition behind TxtMeApp,a new product from Israel-based digital media agency Say Media Group (not to be confused with Say Media, the San Francisco-based advertising and publishing company that owns sites like XOJane and ReadWrite).

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The business proposition behind this extravagant vision is rather more straightforward.

The New York Times - Magazine

For Desai, the value proposition behind Heal is obvious.

TechCrunch

The big value proposition behind the Surface Pro 3 has always been its ability to run full-powered Windows applications despite having a portable, tablet-style form factor.

TechCrunch

In our striving and grappling with illusions so as to come to terms with ourselves and the things around us we never step outside the movement of things, nor see behind the proposition; never reach outside the realm of propositional claim and counter-claim.

SEP

French speakers, as expected, lined up solidly behind the proposition.

The New York Times

Frank Schubert, the campaign manager for Protect Marriage, the leading group behind the proposition, said there was "general unease" among some supporters because of the court's actions in May, when it overturned a 2000 ballot measure, Proposition 22, which had amended the state law to bar same-sex marriages.

The New York Times

He said that he did not have a specific proposal yet for a debtor conference on Iraq but asserted that there was "moral and financial weight" behind the proposition that Iraq, now free of Mr. Hussein, deserves enormous concessions from the oil-producing nations and from the dozens of countries that hold hundreds of billions of dollars in Iraqi debts or claims for reparations.

The New York Times

Representionalist and correspondence theories of truth are "attempts to get behind the proposition – to maintain (in words!) that we mean more than we can say".

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the proposition behind", clearly articulate the core idea or argument being examined to ensure clarity for your audience.

Common error

Ensure that the proposition is clearly linked to a specific context or example, rather than using the phrase in an overly abstract or vague manner. It's more effective to say, "The proposition behind this marketing campaign is..." instead of, "The proposition behind innovation is...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the proposition behind" functions as a noun phrase that introduces or refers to the fundamental concept, idea, or argument that supports something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is often used to explain the underlying basis of a plan, theory, or action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the proposition behind" is used to highlight and examine the core idea or argument supporting a concept or action. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While less common than phrases like "the idea behind", it offers a specific emphasis on the underlying rationale or theoretical basis. When using the phrase, ensure that the proposition is clearly linked to the context, and consider alternatives like "the rationale for" or "the reasoning behind" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the rationale for

Focuses on the reasoning or justification behind something, rather than just the initial proposal.

the reasoning behind

Emphasizes the logical thought process that supports an idea or action.

the basis for

Highlights the foundational element or groundwork upon which something is built.

the premise of

Refers to the foundational assumption or starting point of an argument or idea.

the idea underpinning

Highlights the core concept that supports or justifies something.

the core concept of

Stresses the central idea or principle that something is based on.

the thinking behind

Emphasizes the thought process and considerations that led to a particular idea or action.

the motivation for

Focuses on the driving force or incentive behind an action or decision.

the principle underlying

Highlights the fundamental rule or belief on which something is based.

the purpose of

Focuses on the intended outcome or goal that motivates a particular idea or action.

FAQs

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

Use "the proposition behind" to introduce the core idea or argument that supports a particular concept, plan, or action. For example, "The proposition behind this new policy is to improve employee morale."

What's a good alternative to "the proposition behind"?

Alternatives include "the rationale for", "the reasoning behind", or "the basis for", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is it better to say "the proposition behind" or "the idea behind"?

"The proposition behind" is more formal and often used in analytical or academic contexts. "The idea behind" is more general and suitable for everyday conversations. Choose the phrase that best fits your audience and purpose.

What's the difference between "the proposition behind" and "the purpose of"?

"The proposition behind" refers to the underlying argument or theory, whereas "the purpose of" refers to the intended outcome or goal. For instance, "the proposition behind this research" explains the theory being tested, while "the purpose of this research" describes its objective.