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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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Fundamental about

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Fundamental about" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a core principle or essential aspect of a topic, but it lacks proper context and structure. Example: "The fundamental about this theory is its emphasis on empirical evidence."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This misunderstands something fundamental about picture books.

News & Media

Independent

"We don't think there's anything fundamental about that.

News & Media

The New York Times

Something fundamental about the nation is changing fast.

News & Media

The New York Times

The latest thinking also misunderstands something fundamental about politics.

News & Media

The Guardian

They are pieces that define something fundamental about his music.

Do you think there's something fundamental about that?

What mattered, supporters said, is that something fundamental about politics — anything fundamental — had been changed.

News & Media

The New York Times

Despite the many wonderful details, something fundamental about this story remains slightly out of focus.

"I think some people, including Walter, became much too fundamental about open source," Mr. Negroponte said.

And these rules strike something fundamental about human discourse, morality and decency.

News & Media

The New York Times

It also is recognizing something fundamental about music lovers that restriction-free online vendors know.

News & Media

The New York Times
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "Fundamental about" in formal writing. Opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "fundamental to" or rephrase the sentence for clarity.

Common error

A common error is pairing "fundamental" with the incorrect preposition. Ensure you use "fundamental to" rather than "fundamental about" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Fundamental about" functions as an adjectival phrase attempting to modify a noun, but it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig indicates that the usage is incorrect. Correct alternatives would establish a relationship of essence or foundation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "Fundamental about" appears frequently in various sources, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI identifies it as incorrect. The intended meaning usually revolves around emphasizing the essential or foundational nature of something. Instead, opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "fundamental to", "essential to", or rephrase the sentence to ensure clarity and accuracy. Given the high frequency of this error, paying close attention to preposition usage is crucial for effective communication.

FAQs

Is "Fundamental about" grammatically correct?

No, "Fundamental about" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "fundamental to". Ludwig AI indicates the usage is incorrect.

What is a more appropriate way to use "fundamental" in a sentence?

Use "fundamental to" instead, for example, "Honesty is "fundamental to" any relationship."

What can I say instead of "Fundamental about"?

Consider using alternatives like "essential to", "basic to", or "central to" depending on the context.

How does using "fundamental to" change the meaning compared to "Fundamental about"?

"Fundamental to" clearly establishes that something is essential or foundational, while "Fundamental about" lacks this clarity and is considered grammatically incorrect. Choosing the correct preposition ensures your meaning is accurately conveyed.

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Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: