Core concept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Core concept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the fundamental idea or principle that underlies a particular topic or subject matter. Example: "The core concept of this theory is that all living organisms are interconnected through their ecosystems."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Core concept of our approach is to define two sets of miRNAs, dysregulated and preserved miRNAs.

Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics

Here, the core concept remains.

The Guardian - Tech

It's a core concept in finance.

Yale University

But the core concept is kind of stupid.

The Guardian - Film

Markets are dynamic, the core concept is constant".

The New York Times

The report barely mentions great-power diplomacy, the traditional core concept of statecraft.

The New Yorker

The book's core concept comes from Richard Nixon's 1968 speech at the Republican National Convention.

The Washington Post

The problem was not the original core concept, which they retained.

Harvard Business Review

The good news is that the core concept behind the bill — bankruptcy for banks — is sound.

The New York Times

Ornes, S. Core concept: how nonequilibrium thermodynamics speaks to the mystery of life.

Nature

His famous phrase "resistance of despair" is commonly considered a core concept of his thought.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a "core concept", clearly define it and illustrate its significance with concrete examples to ensure your audience fully understands its relevance.

Common error

Avoid muddying the waters by introducing unnecessary jargon or complexity when explaining a "core concept". Keep the explanation straightforward and accessible to your intended audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "core concept" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving to identify and categorize a fundamental idea or principle. Ludwig showcases examples where it's used to introduce key elements in various fields, such as finance, biology, and game design.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "core concept" is a widely used and grammatically correct noun phrase that highlights fundamental ideas across diverse fields. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, supported by numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and academic publications. Usage analysis indicates that it's most prevalent in scientific, news media, and academic contexts. When using "core concept", ensure clarity by providing a concrete definition and illustrating its importance. Alternatives such as "fundamental principle" or "central idea" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental principle

Focuses on the foundational nature of the idea.

central idea

Emphasizes the idea's importance as the focal point.

key element

Highlights the essential component of something.

basic notion

Stresses the simplicity and underlying nature of the concept.

primary theme

Emphasizes the overarching subject or message.

main component

Highlights a critical part that constitutes a whole.

essential aspect

Focuses on a necessary feature or characteristic.

underlying premise

Highlights the foundational assumption on which something is based.

guiding principle

Emphasizes how the concept directs actions or decisions.

cornerstone

Stresses that a key idea is crucial for something to develop successfully

FAQs

How can I use "core concept" in a sentence?

You can use "core concept" to refer to the central idea or principle of a subject. For instance, "The "core concept" of thermodynamics is the conservation of energy".

What is an alternative to "core concept"?

Alternatives include "fundamental principle", "central idea", or "key element". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate: "core concept" or "basic concept"?

"Core concept" emphasizes the essential and foundational nature of an idea, while "basic concept" suggests simplicity and an introductory level of understanding. Use "core concept" when highlighting the most important idea and "basic concept" when introducing a simple idea.

What makes a concept a "core concept"?

A concept becomes a "core concept" when it's fundamental to understanding a larger subject, recurring across different aspects and being essential for further learning. It acts as the bedrock upon which more advanced ideas are built.