a fundamental experience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fundamental experience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an essential or core event or feeling that significantly impacts a person or situation. Example: "Traveling to a new country can be a fundamental experience that shapes one's worldview."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It describes a fundamental experience of narrative: the perceived speed at which a story unfolds.

The Guardian - Books

This sense of what others consider superficial has been a fundamental experience.

The Guardian - Arts

The anti-lyric conversion is a fundamental experience in the curriculum vitae of the novelist: separated from himself, he suddenly sees that self from a distance, astonished to find that he is not the person he thought he was.

The New Yorker

Parents and drafters of a Board of Education policy recognizing the sharing of food as "a fundamental experience for all peoples" are reeling and trying to figure out what went wrong.

The New York Times

In the Essay he described our awareness of the temporal sequence of our perceptions as a "fundamental experience (première expérience)" (Essay I.ii.1.1

SEP

Her studies show how speakers of different languages differ in how they describe events, how they remember events during the day, and how different cultures consider such a fundamental experience as the concept of time.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

While walking through the exhibition, Max Kennedy said that his uncle's actions to save his crew after the boat was struck by a Japanese destroyer in 1943 and caught fire were "a critical and fundamental experience in the life of someone who was not an insignificant president".

The New York Times

"A fundamental human experience is the experience of pleasure," he said.

Vice

Synecdoche is the fundamental experience of art, the sense that a random fragment contains a lifetime of experience and suggests the depth of a soul.

The New Yorker

I would argue that is not only a fundamental human experience, but also a critical part of growing up.

The Guardian - Books

We present a research design in a closed real-world setting with high-resolution temporal data to understand this interplay within a fundamental human experience – physical pain.

Social Science & Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the experience foundational. Be specific about its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a fundamental experience" to describe trivial events. This phrase is best reserved for experiences that genuinely alter perspectives or create lasting change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fundamental experience" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or direct object in a sentence. It identifies an event or situation as being essential or foundational. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fundamental experience" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an event or situation with significant and lasting impact. According to Ludwig, the expression is appropriate for emphasizing the transformative role of the experience in shaping perspectives or understanding. While the expression is valid, remember it is recommended to reserve its use to genuine impactful situation. While mainly found in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts, it is deemed neutral to formal. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English, although it may be best to replace it with other options like "an essential experience" when a more casual tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential experience

Synonymous with "fundamental"; denotes necessity.

a core experience

Implies being central and intrinsic.

a foundational experience

Highlights its role in building or shaping something.

a pivotal experience

Signifies a turning point or critical moment.

a formative experience

Emphasizes the influence on development.

a critical experience

Highlights the importance and decisiveness.

a life-changing experience

Indicates a significant impact on one's life.

a profound experience

Emphasizes depth and intensity.

an integral experience

Stresses the necessity and completeness.

a significant experience

Indicates importance and consequence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fundamental experience" to describe a significant event that shapes someone's understanding or perspective. For instance, "Traveling abroad was "a fundamental experience" in shaping her worldview".

What are some alternatives to "a fundamental experience"?

Alternatives include "a core experience", "a pivotal experience", or "a life-changing experience", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What makes an experience "fundamental"?

A fundamental experience is one that serves as a foundation for future understanding or growth. It significantly alters one's perspective or capabilities. It could be related to moral or practical experience.

Is it correct to use "fundamental" to describe an experience?

Yes, it is correct. The adjective "fundamental" emphasizes that the experience is essential, foundational, or of central importance.