Argument vs Premise: Which One Is The Correct One?

Are you confused about the difference between argument and premise? You’re not alone. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between argument and premise, and why it’s important to understand them.

Let’s define our terms. An argument is a set of statements or propositions that are used to persuade someone of a particular point of view. A premise, on the other hand, is a statement or proposition that is used as evidence in an argument. In other words, a premise is a building block of an argument.

So, which is the proper word to use? The answer is both. Arguments are made up of premises, so you can’t have one without the other. However, it’s important to understand the distinction between the two.

In the rest of this article, we’ll explore the different types of arguments and premises, and how they are used in everyday life. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the difference between argument and premise, and why it’s important to use them correctly.

Define Argument

An argument is a statement or set of statements that are used to persuade someone to believe or do something. It is a logical and systematic presentation of facts, evidence, and reasoning that supports a particular point of view. In other words, an argument is a way of presenting a case or point of view in order to convince others that it is valid and reasonable.

Arguments are used in a variety of contexts, including academic writing, debates, legal proceedings, and everyday conversations. They can be either deductive or inductive in nature, depending on the type of reasoning used to support the argument.

Define Premise

A premise is a statement or proposition that is used as the basis for an argument. It is a proposition that is assumed or taken for granted in order to support a conclusion. Premises are the building blocks of an argument, and they are used to provide evidence and support for the conclusion.

There are two types of premises: explicit and implicit. Explicit premises are those that are stated explicitly in the argument, while implicit premises are those that are not stated explicitly but are assumed to be true in order to support the conclusion.

Key Differences Between Argument and Premise

Argument	Premise
Used to persuade someone to believe or do something	Used as the basis for an argument
Logical and systematic presentation of facts, evidence, and reasoning	Statement or proposition assumed or taken for granted
Can be either deductive or inductive in nature	Explicit or implicit

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using words correctly is essential in conveying the right message to the reader. The words “argument” and “premise” are commonly used in discussions and debates. Understanding how to use them properly can help you communicate effectively.

How To Use “Argument” In A Sentence

An argument is a statement or set of statements that support a particular conclusion. It is a form of persuasion that aims to convince the reader or listener to accept a particular point of view. Here are some examples of how to use “argument” in a sentence:

• His argument was convincing, and I agreed with his point of view.
• The argument presented in the article was weak and lacked evidence.
• She made a strong argument for why we should invest in renewable energy.

When using “argument,” it is essential to ensure that the statement supports the conclusion and provides evidence to back it up. It is also important to acknowledge counterarguments and provide a rebuttal to them to strengthen your argument.

How To Use “Premise” In A Sentence

A premise is a statement or proposition that serves as evidence for a particular conclusion. It is the foundation of an argument and is used to support the main point. Here are some examples of how to use “premise” in a sentence:

• The premise of the article was that technology is making us more isolated.
• She based her argument on the premise that all people have equal rights.
• The premise of the study was that exercise can improve mental health.

When using “premise,” it is important to ensure that it is relevant to the conclusion and provides a logical connection between the evidence and the point being made. It is also essential to evaluate the validity of the premise and ensure that it is supported by reliable sources.

More Examples Of Argument & Premise Used In Sentences

Understanding the difference between argument and premise is crucial in effective communication. Here are some examples of how these terms can be used in different contexts:

Examples Of Using Argument In A Sentence

• The argument presented by the defense attorney was weak and unconvincing.
• She made a compelling argument for why we should invest in renewable energy.
• The argument between the two colleagues escalated quickly and became quite heated.
• His argument against the proposed policy was based on flawed assumptions.
• She used circular argumentation to try and prove her point.
• The argument put forth by the opposition was easily refuted by the data.
• He used a straw man argument to misrepresent the position of his opponent.
• The argument that all politicians are corrupt is a fallacy.
• She constructed a sound argument for why we should prioritize mental health services.
• The argument for increasing the minimum wage is based on the principle of fairness.

Examples Of Using Premise In A Sentence

• The premise of the novel is that time travel is possible.
• She based her research on the premise that all humans have inherent biases.
• The premise of the movie is that love conquers all.
• He challenged the premise that economic growth is always desirable.
• The premise of the argument was that climate change is a hoax.
• She questioned the premise that technology always improves our lives.
• The premise of the experiment was to test the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function.
• He accepted the premise that the universe is infinite.
• The premise of the article is that social media is changing the way we communicate.
• She rejected the premise that success is measured solely by financial wealth.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to writing, using the terms ‘argument’ and ‘premise’ interchangeably is a common mistake. These two concepts are closely related but have distinct differences that are important to understand. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Mistake #1: Using Argument And Premise Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using the terms ‘argument’ and ‘premise’ interchangeably. While they are related, they are not the same thing. An argument is a conclusion based on premises, while a premise is a statement that supports an argument. Using these terms interchangeably can lead to confusion and a lack of clarity in your writing.

Mistake #2: Confusing Premises With Evidence

Another mistake people make is confusing premises with evidence. Evidence is used to support a premise, which in turn supports an argument. However, evidence is not the same as a premise. A premise is a statement that is used to support an argument, while evidence is information that is used to support a premise.

Mistake #3: Failing To Identify Assumptions

When making an argument, it is important to identify any assumptions that are being made. Assumptions are statements that are taken for granted and are not explicitly stated. Failing to identify assumptions can weaken an argument and make it less effective.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, here are some tips:

• Be clear on the definitions of ‘argument’ and ‘premise’
• Make sure to distinguish between premises and evidence
• Identify any assumptions that are being made in your argument

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between an argument and a premise, context is a crucial factor to consider. Depending on the situation, one may be more suitable than the other. It is important to understand the difference between the two and how they can be used effectively in various contexts.

Argument Vs Premise

An argument is a set of statements that are used to convince someone of a particular point of view. It is a conclusion that is supported by evidence and reasoning. On the other hand, a premise is a statement that is used as evidence to support an argument. It is a fact or assumption that is used to draw a conclusion.

Contextual Examples

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between argument and premise might change:

Academic Writing

In academic writing, the use of premises is more common than arguments. This is because academic writing requires a lot of evidence to support a particular point of view. Therefore, premises are used to provide the necessary evidence to support an argument. For example, in a research paper on climate change, a premise could be “The Earth’s temperature has increased by 1 degree Celsius in the last century.” This premise would be used to support the argument that climate change is real and caused by human activity.

Legal Proceedings

In legal proceedings, arguments are more common than premises. This is because the goal of a legal argument is to persuade a judge or jury to take a particular action. Therefore, arguments are used to make a case for a particular decision. For example, in a criminal trial, the prosecution might make an argument that the defendant is guilty based on the evidence presented. The evidence presented would be the premises used to support the argument.

Everyday Conversations

In everyday conversations, both arguments and premises can be used depending on the situation. If you are trying to persuade someone to take a particular action, you might use an argument. For example, if you are trying to convince your friend to try a new restaurant, you might make the argument that the food is delicious based on reviews you have read. On the other hand, if you are having a discussion about a particular topic, you might use premises to support your point of view. For example, if you are discussing the benefits of exercise, you might use the premise that regular exercise can improve overall health.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using argument and premise are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some cases where the traditional rules may not hold:

1. Informal Arguments

Informal arguments are those that are not structured according to traditional logic. In these cases, the distinction between argument and premise may not be as clear. For example, in a casual conversation, someone might say “I think the restaurant down the street is good because I’ve eaten there before and liked it.” In this case, the statement “I’ve eaten there before and liked it” could be considered both a premise and an argument.

2. Rhetorical Devices

Rhetorical devices are techniques used to persuade or manipulate an audience. These devices often blur the line between argument and premise. For example, a speaker might use an emotional appeal to convince an audience to support a particular cause. In this case, the emotional appeal could be considered both a premise and an argument.

3. Cultural Differences

Some cultures may have different rules for using argument and premise. For example, in some cultures, it may be considered more important to establish a relationship with the person you are speaking with before presenting your argument. In these cases, the distinction between argument and premise may not be as clear.

4. Creative Writing

In creative writing, the rules for using argument and premise may not apply at all. Fiction writers, for example, may use premises to establish the setting or context of a story, but these premises may not be used to support an argument. Similarly, poets may use language in a way that is not strictly logical, and therefore the distinction between argument and premise may not be relevant.

Practice Exercises

To improve your understanding and use of argument and premise in sentences, it is essential to practice. Here are some practice exercises to help you:

Exercise 1: Identify The Argument And Premise

Read the following sentences and identify the argument and premise:

Sentence	Argument	Premise
John is a good student because he always gets good grades.	John is a good student.	John always gets good grades.
Smoking is bad for your health because it can cause lung cancer.	Smoking is bad for your health.	Smoking can cause lung cancer.
All dogs are animals, but not all animals are dogs.	All dogs are animals.	Not all animals are dogs.

Answer Key:

• Sentence 1: Argument – John is a good student; Premise – John always gets good grades.
• Sentence 2: Argument – Smoking is bad for your health; Premise – Smoking can cause lung cancer.
• Sentence 3: Argument – All dogs are animals; Premise – Not all animals are dogs.

Exercise 2: Create Your Own Argument And Premise

Create your own argument and premise using the following topics:

• Technology
• Education
• Politics

Once you have created your argument and premise, share them with a partner and have them identify which is the argument and which is the premise.

Exercise 3: Identify The Fallacy

Read the following sentences and identify the fallacy:

Sentence	Fallacy
Everyone is buying the new iPhone, so it must be the best phone on the market.	Bandwagon Fallacy
Either you support the war or you don’t support the troops.	False Dilemma Fallacy
My opponent says that we should invest in education, but I say we should invest in infrastructure. Clearly, my opponent doesn’t care about the economy.	Strawman Fallacy

Answer Key:

• Sentence 1: Bandwagon Fallacy – assuming something is true or good because many people believe it or do it.
• Sentence 2: False Dilemma Fallacy – presenting only two options when there are actually more.
• Sentence 3: Strawman Fallacy – misrepresenting an opponent’s argument to make it easier to attack.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between argument and premise, it is clear that these two terms are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings in the realm of grammar and language use.

An argument is a claim or statement that is supported by evidence or reasoning. It is a complete idea that is meant to persuade or convince the audience. On the other hand, a premise is a statement or idea that is used as a basis for an argument. It is a building block that supports the argument and helps to establish its validity.

It is important to understand the difference between argument and premise, as using them incorrectly can lead to confusion and weaken the effectiveness of your writing.

When constructing an argument, it is essential to ensure that the premises are sound and logically lead to the conclusion. By doing so, you can create a strong and persuasive argument that is likely to convince your audience.

In conclusion, understanding the distinction between argument and premise is crucial for effective communication and persuasive writing. By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, you can improve your writing skills and create more compelling arguments.