a fundamental issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fundamental issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a core problem or a significant concern that needs to be addressed. Example: "The lack of communication between departments is a fundamental issue that affects our overall productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is a fundamental issue".

The Guardian

Low pay remains a fundamental issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is a fundamental issue of business compatibility.

The Guardian

There is a fundamental issue of trust here.

The Guardian

"It was purely a fundamental issue," Dr. Hemley said.

The New York Times - Science

A fundamental issue is how big an entrepreneurial ecosystem can a country like Estonia support?

The Economist

The couple's lawyer, Howard Srebnick, said the case posed a fundamental issue.

The New York Times

Similarly, language rights are a fundamental issue for the millions of Kurds in Turkey.

The New York Times

For me it it's a fundamental issue of how God meant things to be.

The New York Times

She said she supported Australians having their say on "such a fundamental issue" through a plebiscite.

The Guardian

Smaller businesses say there is also a fundamental issue of fairness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fundamental issue", ensure the context clearly establishes why the issue is fundamental. Provide enough background information for the reader to understand its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "a fundamental issue" for minor problems. Reserve this phrase for matters that genuinely affect core principles, operations, or outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fundamental issue" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a core problem or central point of concern as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fundamental issue" is a versatile phrase used to denote a core problem or significant concern. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in Science and News & Media. While interchangeable with phrases like "a central problem" or "a core concern", it's crucial to ensure its application aligns with the genuine significance of the issue at hand. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively convey the importance of the issue and avoid common pitfalls, such as overstating its relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central problem

Replaces 'issue' with 'problem', emphasizing the problematic nature.

a core concern

Focuses on the element of worry or importance associated with the issue.

a key challenge

Highlights the difficulty or obstacle aspect of the issue.

a primary matter

Emphasizes the importance and priority of the subject.

a basic question

Presents the issue as a question that needs answering or resolving.

a foundational element

Shifts from a problem to a building block that is crucial.

an underlying principle

Changes the focus to a guiding idea or rule that is essential.

a critical aspect

Highlights a necessary and important part of a larger topic.

an essential point

Indicates a vital part of a discussion or argument.

a significant factor

Focuses on the influence or contribution of the element.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fundamental issue" to highlight a core problem or significant concern, as in: "The lack of resources is "a fundamental issue" that needs immediate attention."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a central problem", "a core concern", or "a key challenge".

Is it appropriate to use "a fundamental issue" in formal writing?

Yes, "a fundamental issue" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing significant problems or concerns that affect core aspects of a topic or situation.

What makes something qualify as "a fundamental issue"?

For something to be considered "a fundamental issue", it should be a core problem that significantly impacts other areas or principles. It's not just any problem, but one that has far-reaching consequences.