Words / C1

PREM-is/ˈpremɪs/

A premise is a starting claim you argue from: the premise of the paper, on the premise that. Premises (plural) are a building and land. Promise is a lookalike. Assumption is a cousin (can be unexamined). Do not hide a wish as a premise.

Meaning

A statement that you accept as true and use as the basis of an argument; premises are also a building and land.

Examples

• “The premise that “everyone has a laptop” failed the access audit.”
• “The premise that everyone had a laptop failed the access audit in week one.”
• “Assumption can be untested; a premise is offered as a base for argument. Premises (building) take a plural verb. Promise is a different word. Check the premise against the audit.”

Good to know

A starting claim. Plural mix-up: premises (a building). Close: assumption. Mix-up: promise. A wish is not a premise until it is true.

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