a core of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a core of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "a core of" to describe a group of people or things that form the central part of something larger. For example, "The company has a core of loyal employees who help to keep the business running."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A core of twenty or so.

The New Yorker

Iona has a core of young players.

The New York Times

He had a core of stoic patrons.

The New York Times - Arts

"They kept a core of good players," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

There is also a core of serial record-breakers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A core of authority existed then in small towns.

The New Yorker

"We start together from a core of lyric.

The New Yorker

In the middle was a core of salted caramel.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The group has a core of about 20 people.

The New York Times

In 2004, they had a core of 20 Wahhabis.

The New York Times

That would create a core of 42 seats.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a core of" to clearly identify the most important or central part of a group, organization, or concept. For instance, "a core of dedicated volunteers" effectively conveys the importance of their contribution.

Common error

Avoid using "a core of" when describing something that is merely a collection or assortment. "A core of" implies a fundamental or essential component, not just a random gathering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a core of" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun represents the most essential or fundamental part of a larger entity. This aligns with Ludwig's examples, which showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a core of" is a versatile phrase used to denote the most essential part of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable in both formal and informal contexts. Its primary function is to emphasize the importance of the element or group it describes. To ensure effective usage, remember that "a core of" should only be used when referring to something central or fundamental, not merely a random collection. Remember that you can use alternatives such as "a nucleus of", "a heart of", and "a center of" to add variety to your writing. Top sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and The New Yorker, reflecting its prevalence in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a nucleus of

Emphasizes the central and essential part, similar to the structure of an atom or cell.

a heart of

Highlights the central, vital, or most important part of something.

a center of

Focuses on the point around which something revolves or is concentrated.

an essence of

Refers to the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something.

a basis of

Highlights the foundational element upon which something is built or depends.

a kernel of

Suggests a small but essential part from which something larger can develop.

a key component of

Emphasizes the importance of the element as an integral part of a larger system.

a central group of

Specifically refers to a group that is central or essential.

an essential element of

Highlights the necessary and indispensable nature of the element.

a fundamental aspect of

Focuses on the basic and crucial nature of the aspect.

FAQs

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

Use "a core of" to describe the essential or central part of something, such as "The project relies on "a core of dedicated" volunteers" or "A core of basic principles guides our decisions".

What are some alternatives to "a core of"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a nucleus of", "a heart of", or "a center of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "a core of" formal or informal?

"A core of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of your writing.

What is the difference between "a core of" and "a group of"?

"A core of" implies essentiality and centrality, while "a group of" simply indicates a collection. Use "a core of" when you want to emphasize the fundamental importance of the group or element.