a core ingredient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a core ingredient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an essential or fundamental component of something, such as a recipe, process, or concept. Example: "Trust is a core ingredient in building strong relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"That's a core ingredient of the human condition.

The New York Times

At £4.25 the dish has a core ingredient many would wince at – crickets.

The Guardian - Business

If no new arrangement is found then the licence for glyphosate, a core ingredient in Monsanto's $5bn-a-year 5bn-a-year 5bn-a-yearxpiRounduphe end of June.

The Guardian

And having identified virtual software technology as a core ingredient to its operating system, Microsoft promises to become a daunting competitor eventually.

The New York Times - Tech

These guidelines, however, do not address one ingredient that consumer advocates have frequently cited: sugar, a core ingredient of many of General Mills' children's cereals.

The New York Times

Did we leave space?" On her record and onstage, Knowles presents familiar terrain threaded with thrilling new possibilities, akin to playing Sonic 3 as Knuckles — subbing out a core ingredient in a familiar dish.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Once it called for Mr. Assad to step down in August 2011, the United States fully abdicated the role of a credible arbiter — the core ingredient for eventually moving civil wars toward power-sharing arrangements.

The New York Times

Bestselling weedkillers by Monsanto, Dow and Syngenta could be removed from shops across Europe by July, after an EU committee failed for a second time to agree on a new license for its core ingredient, glyphosate.

The Guardian

Splenda's core ingredient is a nonnutritive sweetener that does not grow in sugar fields or appear elsewhere naturally.

The New York Times

Luis Suarez is a star talent but his core ingredient is his workrate, which is something we're trying to have throughout the team.

BBC

At the end of my visit, he ducked into an office and emerged holding out a bergamot in each hand — the citrus fruit that is the core ingredient of Earl Grey tea, yellow as a lemon but with a beguiling floral aroma.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a core ingredient" to emphasize that a particular element is not just important, but fundamental and indispensable to the whole.

Common error

While "a core ingredient" is useful, avoid overusing it. Vary your language with synonyms like "essential element" or "fundamental component" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a core ingredient" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something as an essential element. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a core ingredient" effectively highlights the indispensable nature of a component, with Ludwig AI showing it is used in various contexts such as news, science, and business. It's grammatically sound and versatile, but remember to vary your language with alternatives like "essential element" or "fundamental component" to avoid repetition. Ludwig confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English, denoting an essential or fundamental component.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential element

Emphasizes the necessity of the element, similar to "a core ingredient".

a fundamental component

Highlights the foundational nature of the component.

a key element

Focuses on the importance and significance of the element.

a vital component

Stresses the indispensability of the component.

an integral part

Indicates that the part is necessary for completeness.

a crucial factor

Highlights the importance of the factor in achieving a result.

a central aspect

Focuses on the aspect being at the heart of something.

a basic element

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the element, often in simpler systems.

a primary ingredient

Highlights the importance of the ingredient as a main element.

a building block

Suggests the element is a fundamental unit used to construct something larger.

FAQs

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

Use "a core ingredient" to highlight an essential element of something. For example, "Trust is "a core ingredient" in any successful relationship."

What's a good alternative to "a core ingredient"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a core ingredient" include "an essential element", "a fundamental component", or "a key element".

Is it better to say "core ingredient" or "key ingredient"?

Both "core ingredient" and "key ingredient" are acceptable, but "core ingredient" often implies a more fundamental and indispensable role. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes something "a core ingredient" instead of just an ingredient?

Calling something "a core ingredient" emphasizes that it's not just any ingredient, but one that is absolutely essential and foundational to the final outcome or product.