a fundamental concept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fundamental concept" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing essential ideas or principles in a particular field or subject. Example: "In mathematics, understanding numbers is a fundamental concept that underpins all other areas of study."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a fundamental concept of liberty".

The Guardian

The probabilities are based on a "noisy channel" model, a fundamental concept of information theory.

The New York Times

He personifies a fundamental concept of life: It is all about showing up.

The New York Times

Dr. Furth in 1971 was also one of the researchers who came up with a fundamental concept that enabled the reactor to reach its ultrahot temperatures.

The New York Times

A fundamental concept was that of a quadripartite multilevel universe that, by 1519, had gone through five creations and four destructions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dravya, ( Sanskrit: "substance") a fundamental concept of Jainism, a religion of India that is the oldest Indian school of philosophy to separate matter and soul completely.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Self-construction appears as a fundamental concept.

The Creative Self Effect of Beliefs, Self-Efficacy, Mindset, and Identity

The adsorption isotherm is a fundamental concept in adsorption science.

Applied Water Science

Density function is a fundamental concept in data analysis.

Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference

Informed choice is a fundamental concept within prenatal care.

Patient Education and Counseling

It was soon realized that a fundamental concept was that of equilibrium.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a fundamental concept", provide clear and concise explanations to ensure your audience fully understands its importance and implications.

Common error

Avoid using "a fundamental concept" too broadly. Always ensure the concept is genuinely foundational and relevant to the specific context you are discussing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fundamental concept" functions as a noun phrase that introduces or refers to an essential idea or principle within a particular field or context. It serves to highlight the foundational nature of the concept being discussed. Ludwig confirms its widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fundamental concept" is a widely used phrase to introduce or refer to essential ideas across various disciplines. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and most frequently appears in scientific and news media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the concept is genuinely foundational and provide a clear explanation to enhance understanding. Consider alternatives like "a core principle" or "a basic tenet" to add nuance to your writing. Being mindful of the context and providing clear explanations will help you effectively communicate these key ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a core principle

This alternative focuses on the foundational nature of the idea, emphasizing its role as a guiding rule or belief.

a basic tenet

This phrase highlights the idea as a central belief or doctrine, particularly within a system of thought or religion.

a key element

This alternative emphasizes the importance of the idea as a necessary component of a larger system or concept.

a crucial aspect

This phrase underscores the significance of the idea as a vital part of a situation or problem.

an essential idea

This highlights the necessity and importance of the concept, suggesting it is indispensable.

a central notion

This alternative focuses on the idea as a primary and important concept.

a primary idea

This emphasizes the idea's role as a foundational or initial concept.

a building block

This metaphor suggests the concept is a basic component used to construct more complex ideas.

a cornerstone

This emphasizes the idea's role as an essential foundation upon which something else is constructed.

a bedrock principle

This alternative stresses the fundamental and unwavering nature of the concept.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fundamental concept" to introduce essential ideas or principles. For instance, "Understanding supply and demand is "a fundamental concept" in economics".

What are some alternatives to saying "a fundamental concept"?

Alternatives include "a core principle", "a basic tenet", or "a key element" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

What makes a concept "fundamental"?

A fundamental concept is a foundational idea that is essential for understanding a subject. It's a building block upon which other ideas and theories are built.

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

While "a fundamental concept" is suitable for formal and academic writing, you might opt for more informal alternatives like "a basic idea" or "a key thing to know" in casual contexts.