1
Expose a premise
Identify a belief treated as true without proof.
Example
The study challenges the assumption that growth is always beneficial.
challenge the assumption that
/ˌtʃælɪndʒ ði əˈsʌmpʃən ðæt/ · CHAL-inj thee uh-SUMP-shuhn thatargument phrase
Question an underlying belief on which reasoning depends.
Use challenge the assumption that to signal this exact relationship between ideas: question an underlying belief on which reasoning depends.
What challenge the assumption that Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Question a default model
Dispute the starting point of an explanation.
Example
The fossils challenge the assumption that the species evolved locally.
3
Reframe a debate
Shift attention from conclusions to their foundation.
Example
The essay challenges the assumption that the two goals conflict.
Use challenge the assumption that Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The study challenges the assumption that growth is always beneficial.
The fossils challenge the assumption that the species evolved locally.
The essay challenges the assumption that the two goals conflict.
Precision Matters
Challenge the assumption that overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
challenge the assumption that
vs.Signals question an underlying belief on which reasoning depends.
be predicated on
Means be based or founded on a premise, condition, or assumption.
challenge the assumption that
vs.Signals question an underlying belief on which reasoning depends.
call into question
Means raise doubts about the truth, reliability, or validity of something.
challenge the assumption that
vs.Signals question an underlying belief on which reasoning depends.
concede
Means to admit that a claim is true or valid, often reluctantly.
challenge the assumption that
vs.Signals question an underlying belief on which reasoning depends.
substantiate
Means to support or establish a claim with evidence.
Test challenge the assumption that in Context
The evidence questions an underlying belief about isolation.
1
Evidence of extensive trade would ___ the island communities developed in complete isolation.