a core concept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a core concept" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a fundamental idea or principle that is central to a particular subject or discussion. Example: "In our discussion about sustainability, a core concept is the importance of reducing waste and conserving resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a core concept in finance.

Yale University

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

But to many infrastructure experts, the plan abandoned a core concept in transportation investment: the user pays.

The New York Times

"A core concept in Scientology is: 'Something isn't true unless you find it true in your own life,' " she told me.

The New Yorker

The idea of judicial independence, embodied in the life tenure that federal judges enjoy under Article III of the Constitution, is a core concept of American law.

The New York Times

The Chinese engineering education accreditation criteria (CEEAC, 2015 edition) do not have a core concept like "Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate".

Procedia Computer Science

A core concept behind modern drug discovery is finding a small molecule that modulates a function of a target protein.

Methods

This paper aims at unifying these statements in a core concept of familiarity and its influence on social cues.

Computers in Human Behavior

For more than a decade, User Experience (UX) has grown into a core concept of Human Computer Interaction (HCI).

Computers in Human Behavior

A core concept of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights is that governments have the responsibility to protect human rights and businesses have the responsibility to respect human rights.

The Guardian

The CDIO syllabus has 4 parts, 17 categories, and 73 subdivision abilities and forms a core concept of "Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate" (CDIO).

Procedia Computer Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a core concept", provide a clear and concise definition to ensure your audience understands its significance within the given context.

Common error

Avoid using "a core concept" without adequately explaining its relevance to the surrounding discussion. Always clarify why the concept is fundamental to the topic at hand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a core concept" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object within a sentence. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various academic, scientific and general contexts, often introducing a fundamental idea or principle central to a particular subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

32%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a core concept" is a versatile phrase used to highlight fundamental ideas across various disciplines. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its prevalence in scientific, news, and academic sources underscores its importance in formal communication. To use it effectively, ensure you define the concept clearly and explain its relevance to the context. While alternatives like "a fundamental principle" or "a key idea" exist, "a core concept" remains a robust choice for emphasizing the centrality of an idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental principle

Replaces "concept" with "principle", emphasizing a foundational rule or belief.

a key idea

Substitutes "core concept" with "key idea", highlighting the importance and centrality of the thought.

a central tenet

Uses "tenet" instead of "concept", suggesting a principle or belief held as true.

a basic notion

Replaces "core concept" with "basic notion", denoting a fundamental understanding or idea.

a foundational element

Emphasizes the role of the concept as a base or support for further understanding.

a cornerstone of

Highlights the concept's role as a crucial, indispensable part of a structure or system.

an essential aspect

Focuses on the concept as a necessary or vital component of something.

a fundamental aspect

Focuses on the concept as a basic aspect of something.

a central theme

Highlights the concept as a recurring and dominant idea.

an underlying principle

Emphasizes that the concept is a fundamental rule that guides or influences something.

FAQs

How can I effectively introduce "a core concept" in my writing?

Begin by clearly defining the concept and explaining its importance to the topic at hand. Providing examples can also help illustrate its significance and application.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a core concept"?

You can use alternatives such as "a fundamental principle", "a key idea", or "a central tenet" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a core concept" in informal writing?

While "a core concept" is suitable for formal and academic writing, more informal alternatives like "a key idea" or "a basic notion" might be more appropriate for casual contexts.

How does "a core concept" differ from "a basic concept"?

"A core concept" implies a fundamental and essential idea, while "a basic concept" simply refers to a foundational idea that may not necessarily be critical or central to a subject.