working on the premise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "working on the premise" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase typically used to indicate that something is being done based on a particular assumption. For example, "We are working on the premise that the project must be completed by next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Detectives are studying CCTV footage and are thought to be working on the premise that the driver of the red pick-up deliberately targeted the two officers.

The Guardian

He was less flashy but more efficient, working on the premise that it takes five or six pitches to strike a batter out but only two or three to get him to pop up or ground one to an infielder.

The New Yorker

Detectives were working on the premise that the man had been a drug dealer and had been abducted at some point before being murdered and dumped in the lot, the police said.

The New York Times

As for what new medium Coors Brewing may turn up in next, Mr. Sproul of Avenue A/Razorfish said his agency was still working on the premise of the TV commercial with text messages sent to mobile devices.

The New York Times

Before I went there, my style was very haphazard and, well, typically West Country, working on the premise that all we did was sit in fields and pretend to surf and skate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then there are the handful of airlines — Emirates, Singapore, Virgin Atlantic, Qantas and Cathay Pacific among them — working on the premise that there are no limits on pampering the prestige class.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

But their old house does give them one advantage over brand-new: As Ms. Burns noted on her blog, with contractors already working on the premises, they don't have to wait for help.

The New York Times

Or they are mystery novels that work on the premise that professors will kill one another to get to be department chair (as we all know, murder is more likely to be done to avoid getting to be department chair).

University of California, Berkeley

"Medical culture" has always been one of teamwork; a doctor must work on the premise that the rest of the team is doing their bit as thoroughly and competently as he is.

The New Yorker

It works on the premise that individuals are guaranteed a minimum regular payment unconditionally.

The Guardian

Like a lover, the ardent scholar works on the premise that the object of his desire exists for him alone.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "working on the premise", ensure the premise is clearly stated or easily understood from the context. This enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "working on the premise" when the premise is weak or unsupported by evidence. This can undermine your argument and reduce credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working on the premise" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the basis or foundation upon which an action or belief is established. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56.25%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

18.75%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "working on the premise" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that an action or decision is based on a particular assumption. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is readily usable in various contexts. It appears frequently in news media and scientific publications and its usage implies a neutral to professional register. To enhance clarity when using this phrase, ensure that the premise is either explicitly stated or easily understood from the context. Remember to avoid stating weak or unsupported premises, as doing so could undermine your arguments. Consider using alternatives such as "operating under the assumption" or "assuming that" for variety and depending on your desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operating under the assumption

Replaces "working on the premise" with a more explicit phrasing emphasizing the act of assuming something as a base for action.

based on the assumption

Focuses on the foundation upon which an action or idea is built, simplifying the original phrase.

assuming that

A shorter and more direct way to express the same idea, emphasizing the act of making an assumption.

proceeding from the belief that

Highlights the role of belief as the starting point, adding a layer of conviction.

on the understanding that

Emphasizes a mutual agreement or accepted condition as the basis for action.

taking as a given that

Stresses the acceptance of something as true without requiring proof.

with the understanding

This alternative focuses on a mutual agreement or accepted condition as the basis for action.

with the assumption

An alternative with a reduced emphasis on the action itself.

assuming as true

Shorter and more direct way to express the same idea, emphasizing the act of considering something as true.

presuming that

Implies a degree of uncertainty or a lack of complete evidence in the assumption.

FAQs

How can I use "working on the premise" in a sentence?

You can use "working on the premise" to indicate that an action or decision is based on a particular assumption. For example, "The detectives are "working on the premise" that the suspect knew the victim".

What are some alternatives to "working on the premise"?

Some alternatives include "operating under the assumption", "based on the assumption", or simply "assuming that", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "working on the premise" or "assuming that"?

"Working on the premise" tends to be slightly more formal than "assuming that". The former is often used in professional or academic contexts, while the latter is suitable for general use.

What's the difference between "working on the premise" and "working on the assumption"?

While similar, "working on the premise" often implies a more foundational or guiding principle, whereas "working on the assumption" might refer to a more specific, testable belief. The difference is subtle and context-dependent.