Premise / Premises (assumptions) / Premises (property)
Different formsPremise is singular for an assumption; premises is its plural and also the plural-form noun for a property. Do not call one office an office premise.
Premise
Use when
You mean one assumption or proposition on which an argument, policy or conclusion is based.
Example
“The proposal rests on the premise that demand will remain stable.”
Premises (assumptions)
Use when
You mean two or more assumptions or propositions underlying an argument.
Example
“The model's premises should be tested against the latest data.”
Premises (property)
Use when
You mean a building, site and associated land; the word has a plural form even when referring to one location.
Example
“Visitors must register before entering the premises.”
Quick check
office premise, the premises is closed, premise when a property is meant
Usage note
Write “The premises are closed” in formal usage. When the plural-form noun may distract or confuse, use site, office, building or property.