the underlying assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the underlying assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that is taken for granted or accepted as true without being explicitly stated. For example, "The underlying assumption of the paper is that economic growth is necessary for a healthy society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What is the underlying assumption of terror management?

The New York Times

"The underlying assumption may have changed," Mr. Smith said.

The New York Times

The underlying assumption is that getting more people involved isn't practical or worthwhile.

The Guardian

Has anyone even questioned the underlying assumption that this would be a good thing?

The New York Times - Science

None of them challenges the underlying assumption that punishment is the primary tool of crime reduction.

The Guardian

The underlying assumption is that there are two kinds of people – quality and non-quality.

The Guardian

The underlying assumption of a liberal democracy is that all members deserve respect.

The Guardian - Opinion

Speaking as a white male, I find the underlying assumption faulty.

The New York Times

The underlying assumption is that the celebrity of the red carpets and chat shows exists beyond a media construct.

The Guardian

Remember that the underlying assumption is that "more is better" – the more data you have, the better your knowledge.

The Guardian - Tech

And even a saint might want to question the underlying assumption here (male = great/major, female = good/minor).

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the underlying assumption", ensure it aligns with the context of your argument. Clearly identify what this assumption is to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

A common mistake is to proceed with an argument without verifying if "the underlying assumption" actually holds true. Always question its validity before building upon it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the underlying assumption" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a fundamental, often unstated, premise upon which an argument, theory, or action is based. Ludwig confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Social Media

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the underlying assumption" is a common and versatile noun phrase used to identify fundamental, often unstated, premises. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted across different domains, especially in news, science, and formal business contexts. Related phrases include "the implicit supposition" and "the foundational belief". When using this phrase, remember to validate the assumption and clarify it for your audience to prevent misunderstandings. Be aware that failing to validate the "the underlying assumption" is a common writing mistake. Ludwig's analysis emphasizes the importance of critical examination when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the inherent premise

Replaces 'assumption' with 'premise', highlighting the foundational nature of the belief but sounds more theoretical.

the implicit supposition

Substitutes 'underlying assumption' with 'implicit supposition', emphasizing the unspoken and presumed aspect.

the foundational belief

Uses 'belief' instead of 'assumption', highlighting the core conviction at the base of an idea.

the bedrock principle

Replaces 'assumption' with 'principle', suggesting a fundamental rule or truth is in place.

the unspoken premise

Emphasizes that the premise is not explicitly stated.

the unstated condition

Highlights that the assumption is a requirement that hasn't been vocalized.

the hidden presupposition

Indicates the assumption is concealed or not immediately obvious.

the implicit understanding

Focuses on the mutual, though unexpressed, agreement or acceptance.

the assumed basis

Highlights the base or foundation that is taken for granted.

the tacit belief

Emphasizes that the belief is understood or implied without being openly expressed.

FAQs

How can I use "the underlying assumption" in a sentence?

Use "the underlying assumption" to point out a fundamental belief or premise that supports an argument or situation. For example, "The underlying assumption is that increased funding will improve educational outcomes".

What are some alternatives to "the underlying assumption"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the implicit supposition", "the foundational belief", or "the unstated condition", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of the assumption.

When is it important to identify "the underlying assumption"?

Identifying "the underlying assumption" is crucial when analyzing arguments, evaluating strategies, or understanding complex systems. It helps reveal hidden dependencies and potential weaknesses.

What is the difference between "the underlying assumption" and "the obvious assumption"?

"The underlying assumption" refers to a less apparent, foundational belief, while "the obvious assumption" is a more evident, easily recognized premise.