upon the proposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon the proposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in formal contexts, particularly in legal, philosophical, or academic discussions when referring to a specific proposal or idea. Example: "The committee will deliberate upon the proposition presented by the members regarding the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It means that Clinton and Bush are now agreed upon the proposition that, knowing what we know now, invading Iraq was an error.

The New Yorker

"Our equality laws depend upon the proposition that race and sex are not relevant qualifications, or disqualifications, for any job save in very exceptional circumstances.

The Guardian

The rationale of our judgment in the Pearce case, however, was not grounded upon the proposition that actual retaliatory motivation must inevitably exist.

Cornell University

2898, 61 L.Ed.2d 608 (1979) ("[O]ur adversary system * * * is premised upon the proposition that the public interest is fully protected by the participants in the litigation".).

Harvard University

It was once possible to characterize the so-called Miranda rule as resting (however implausibly) upon the proposition that what the statute here before us permits -- the admission at trial of un-Mirandized confessions -- violates the Constitution.

The New York Times

769, 778) that the argument rested upon the proposition 'that, although the tax be within the power, as enforcing it will destroy or restrict the manufacture of artificially colored oleomargarine, therefore the power to levy the tax did not obtain.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Petitioner contends that § 1963(a)(1) reaches only "interests in an enterprise" and does not authorize the forfeiture of mere "profits and proceeds". He rests his argument upon the propositions that criminal forfeitures are disfavored in law and that forfeiture statutes, as a consequence, must be strictly construed.

Cornell University

In this connection the plaintiff in error urges upon us the proposition that, as it relied solely upon a title derived by a foreclosure and sale in a Federal court, the state court must necessarily have considered and decided that question, and that in such cases the Federal Constitution need not be specially set up and claimed.

Cornell University

But the premise upon which the proposition is based is imaginary, since it assumes that the statute does that which it has been conclusively determined by the court below it does not do.

Cornell University

Indeed, this was precisely the proposition upon which § 1983 was enacted.

Cornell University

Their nonchalance is founded upon broadening acceptance of the proposition that homosexuality, like heterosexuality, is generally innate and not inherently harmful.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upon the proposition" in formal writing to introduce a fundamental idea or assumption that an argument or action is based on. This helps create a logical structure and strengthen your reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "upon the proposition" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in such settings. Opt for simpler phrases like "based on the idea" or "assuming that" in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon the proposition" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase introducing the basis, foundation, or reason for a statement, argument, or action. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase indicates reliance or dependence on a particular idea or assumption.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "upon the proposition" serves as a formal way to introduce a foundational idea or assumption. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and best suited for formal writing such as in legal, academic, or philosophical discussions. While alternatives like "based on the premise" or "relying on the assertion" exist, "upon the proposition" carries a more assertive tone and indicates a strong dependence on the stated idea. The phrase is most frequently found in academic, news, and scientific contexts. When aiming for simplicity in less formal communication, consider opting for other similar expressions to convey the same meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on the premise

Replaces "upon the proposition" by emphasizing the foundational assumption.

relying on the assertion

Emphasizes dependence on a claim, making it more assertive.

predicated on the idea

Highlights the conceptual basis of an argument or action.

founded on the principle

Stresses the core value or belief supporting a concept.

contingent on the hypothesis

Indicates a conditional relationship with a proposed explanation.

dependent on the theory

Similar to 'contingent', but focuses specifically on a theoretical framework.

grounded in the belief

Implies a deep-seated conviction as the underlying reason.

built on the understanding

Focuses on a shared or assumed comprehension of something.

assuming the statement

Highlights the acceptance of a declaration as a starting point.

hinging on the notion

Emphasizes that everything depends on a specific concept.

FAQs

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

Use "upon the proposition" to introduce a core idea or assumption. For instance, "The argument rests "upon the proposition" that all citizens are equal under the law."

What are some alternatives to "upon the proposition"?

Consider alternatives such as "based on the premise", "relying on the assertion", or "predicated on the idea" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "upon the proposition" suitable for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "upon the proposition" is generally more appropriate for formal or academic writing. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives are preferable.

What distinguishes "upon the proposition" from "based on the proposition"?

"Upon the proposition" and "based on the proposition" are similar, but "upon" suggests a slightly stronger sense of reliance or dependence than "based on".