a fundamental idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fundamental idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a core concept or principle that is essential to a particular topic or argument. Example: "In philosophy, the concept of free will is often considered a fundamental idea that shapes our understanding of human behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

You've hit upon a fundamental idea that is crucial to helping this cause (seismic safety of new and existing buildings).

The New York Times

In the tale the philosophical theme is the impermanence of all things, which she says is a fundamental idea of Japanese culture: Nothing lasts forever.

The New York Times

Furthermore, the usual image of Beethoven the furious smith, binding all notes to a fundamental idea, gives way to a welcome emphasis on the composer's wit and his love of dancing rhythm.

The New Yorker

There are underlying shapes to everything we see around us, and I learned how to reduce a design down to a fundamental idea and form, then build from that".

The New York Times

He has the ability to work rapidly to turn a fundamental idea into a sketch... Caldwell knows what the shops can build, and how well it will hold together, and this is infinitely more valuable than designing something that may look like a masterpiece but will fall apart.

The New Yorker

"I just thought it was a fundamental idea that would really enhance investor confidence and reward long-term investing by getting some return on your investment," he recounted, sitting at the end of a conference table here, on the 30th floor of the company's modest headquarters in the financial district.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

One must go back to borrowing (and lending) for a comparably fundamental idea.

The Economist

"If there is a more fundamental idea in economics, I'm not sure what it would be," said Andrew J. Oswald, who teaches the subject at the University of Warwick in England.

The New York Times - Arts

Each science has a Particular Fundamental idea which is needed to organize the facts with which that science is concerned; thus, Space is the Fundamental Idea of geometry, Cause the Fundamental Idea of mechanics, and Substance the Fundamental Idea of chemistry.

SEP

Sous-vide technology has taken hold in modern restaurant kitchens because it is based on a simple and fundamental idea: precision cooking of foods at carefully selected temperatures for precise lengths of time.

Los Angeles Times

Entropy is an essential and fundamental idea of thermodynamics yet many people, scientists and non-scientists alike, have a major misunderstanding of the concept despite the actual definition of entropy being quite simple: it is the natural log of the number of microstates that describe the macrostate multiplied by Boltzmann's constant.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fundamental idea", ensure the context clearly establishes the importance and foundational nature of the concept being discussed. Using concrete examples can strengthen its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a fundamental idea" for concepts that are widely known or self-evident within the given context. Doing so can weaken your writing and appear condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fundamental idea" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a core concept or principle that is essential or foundational to a particular area of knowledge or discussion, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fundamental idea" is a noun phrase that denotes a core, foundational concept essential for understanding a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriate usage across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Science. While several alternatives like "a core concept" or "a basic principle" exist, the phrase's strength lies in emphasizing the underlying importance of the notion. When employing this phrase, ensure the idea's significance is clear and avoid using it for widely known concepts to maintain impactful and concise writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a core concept

Focuses on the central and essential nature of the concept.

a basic principle

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of the idea.

a key concept

Highlights the importance and significance of the idea.

a central tenet

Refers to a belief or principle held as true.

a primary notion

Stresses the initial or most important understanding.

an underlying principle

Highlights a hidden or less obvious foundational truth.

a foundational concept

Emphasizes its role as a base for further understanding.

a guiding principle

Indicates that the idea serves as direction or a rule to live by.

a cornerstone idea

Indicates that the idea is critically important, like the base of an archway.

a governing concept

Specifies its dominant or influential role in a system.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fundamental idea" to introduce a basic concept that is essential to understanding a particular subject. For example, "A key assumption is "a fundamental idea" for the development of our project."

What's an alternative to using "a fundamental idea"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a core concept", "a basic principle", or "a key concept".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a fundamental idea"?

It is appropriate to use "a fundamental idea" when you want to emphasize the foundational or essential nature of a concept, ensuring that your audience understands its importance.

Is there a difference between "a fundamental idea" and "a foundational concept"?

While both phrases are similar, "a fundamental idea" emphasizes the core, essential nature of the concept, while "a foundational concept" highlights its role as a base or groundwork for further development or understanding.