underlying presumptions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underlying presumptions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the basic beliefs or assumptions that form the foundation of an argument, theory, or analysis. Example: "In order to fully understand the debate, we must first examine the underlying presumptions that both sides hold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Their reactions -- outrage, anger, puzzlement, etc. -- helped demonstrate the existence of underlying presumptions that constitute social life.

The New York Times

This paper aims to test the underlying presumptions that the GCA drives up environmental standards and promotes tourism through sustainable beach management.

Ocean & Coastal Management

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Since then, the ground has shifted: there is now, Banyard writes, an "underlying presumption that the sex trade is compatible with feminism; that we needn't work to end it; that it can be reformed".

The Guardian - Books

Indeed, the underlying presumption of the play is the view of some scholars that no one man could possess the artistic strengths and the range of psychological insights that are found in Shakespeare's works, especially not a man from a relatively humble background, as Shakespeare was (though its humility is somewhat exaggerated by Ms. Freed).

The New York Times

Our underlying presumption was that ease of and satisfaction with use, and promptness of data collection, are associated with greater accuracy.

Contraception

The underlying presumption of the price-gap approach is that energy subsidies decrease prices of energy goods and services, thereby, leading to increase in consumption.

Journal of Economic Structures

The design studio, at the heart of design education everywhere, embodies the underlying presumption that students who work side by side, and often in collaboration, benefit from being exposed to a large number of ideas of peers and instructors.

Design Studies

It's impossible to select a ramen joint from such a formidable selection, so just take the recommendation of Daikokuya with the underlying presumption that they're giving the humble, bewildered "honor to even be nominated alongside you all" acceptance speech of a young Oscar winner.

Vice

Many such efforts appear to be seriously hampered, however, by an underlying presumption that the essential function of a handoff is one-way information transmission.

Critical Care

In practice, methodological approaches to measuring mortality and assigning causes of death do not always appear to be directly informed by the intended use of the data, but rather by an underlying presumption of a 'one-size-fits-all' nature and utility of mortality data.

Global Health Action

Their remarkable book focused on the various mechanisms that societies adopt to make life-and-death choices and to rationalize, sometimes to camouflage, the underlying ethical presumptions.

Health Policy and Planning

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "underlying presumptions", ensure that you clearly articulate what these presumptions are to avoid ambiguity. Providing context is crucial for clarity.

Common error

A common mistake is to assume the audience is aware of the "underlying presumptions". Always make them explicit to ensure your argument is easily understood and not misinterpreted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying presumptions" functions as a noun phrase, where 'underlying' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'presumptions'. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "underlying presumptions" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that refers to the fundamental, often unstated, beliefs supporting an argument or theory. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most commonly found in news and media and scientific contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. When using this phrase, it is crucial to explicitly state the presumptions to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "fundamental assumptions" or "basic premises" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental assumptions

Focuses on the foundational nature of the assumptions.

basic premises

Highlights the foundational statements upon which an argument is based.

core beliefs

Emphasizes the deeply held nature of these beliefs.

implicit assumptions

Highlights that the assumptions are not explicitly stated.

unspoken beliefs

Focuses on the tacit nature of the beliefs.

hidden presuppositions

Emphasizes that the presuppositions are not readily apparent.

root assumptions

Highlights the deep-seated and fundamental nature of the assumptions.

foundational principles

Focuses on the role of the principles as a foundation.

bedrock beliefs

Emphasizes the solid and unshakeable nature of the beliefs.

primary tenets

Highlights the principal doctrines or beliefs.

FAQs

What does "underlying presumptions" mean?

The phrase "underlying presumptions" refers to the fundamental beliefs or assumptions that form the basis of an argument, theory, or analysis. They are the often unstated ideas that support a line of reasoning.

How can I use "underlying presumptions" in a sentence?

You might use "underlying presumptions" in a sentence like, "In order to fully understand the debate, we must first examine the "fundamental assumptions" that both sides hold." or "The study challenges the "basic premises" of this economic model."

What can I say instead of "underlying presumptions"?

You can use alternatives like "fundamental assumptions", "basic premises", or "core beliefs" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "underlying presumptions" and "implicit assumptions"?

"Underlying presumptions" are the foundational assumptions, while "implicit assumptions" specifically refer to those that are not explicitly stated. All implicit assumptions can be considered underlying, but not all underlying presumptions are necessarily implicit.