a fundamental point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fundamental point" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when emphasizing an essential or core aspect of a discussion or argument. Example: "In this debate, a fundamental point to consider is the impact of climate change on future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Reed says these models are missing a fundamental point.

The Guardian

For Americans trying to understand Brexit, this a fundamental point to grasp.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think that is a fundamental point about the rights of the individual against the state".

Independent

The article also does not mention a fundamental point: networks and stations were acting fully within their legal rights.

The New York Times

Putting this callous, eugenics-tinged argument to one side, Osborne and his allies have missed a fundamental point: circumstances change.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a fundamental point and one that should not be ignored in the general election campaign.

The Guardian

Implacably divided for so long, they now agree on a fundamental point: Dr. Tiller's death represents an enormous loss for each side.

The New York Times

Whatever the truth in the story that the government is seeking to influence BBC scheduling (Report, 2 May), it raises a fundamental point about the BBC.

The Guardian

But Mr. Lichtinger said they agreed on a fundamental point: "We don't want destructive tourism, and we don't want tourism that can't contain its urban infrastructure.

The New York Times

Their arrivals are events, their presence is a fundamental point of reference for the Beales, who have long lived as recluses.

The New Yorker

"From a fundamental point of view, this does not change anything," said Ulric Weil, president of Weil & Associates, an independent investment adviser in Washington.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fundamental point" to introduce an idea that is essential to understanding a topic or argument. It signals that what follows is a core component.

Common error

Avoid using "a fundamental point" when a simpler phrase like "the main thing" or "importantly" would suffice. Save it for instances where you truly need to emphasize the foundational nature of the point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fundamental point" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a core concept or essential idea. It's used to highlight the foundational importance of the subsequent information, as supported by examples on Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fundamental point" is a widely used phrase for emphasizing a core concept or essential idea. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability across various contexts, especially in science, news, and formal communication. While versatile, avoid overuse in simpler contexts where less emphatic language suffices. Alternatives such as "a key aspect" or "a crucial factor" can provide nuanced variations. Remember, using the phrase effectively can significantly enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key aspect

Replaces "point" with "aspect", focusing on a particular feature or element that is crucial.

a core element

Substitutes "point" with "element", highlighting an indispensable component.

a crucial factor

Replaces "point" with "factor", emphasizing a significant consideration.

an essential consideration

Replaces "fundamental point" with a phrase that highlights the necessity of considering something.

a basic tenet

Uses "tenet" to indicate a principle or belief that is central to a larger system or argument.

a primary principle

Emphasizes that the point is a foundational rule or belief.

a central idea

Focuses on the point as the main concept or thought.

a significant issue

Replaces "point" with "issue", highlighting its importance and relevance.

an underlying concept

Highlights that the point is a foundational concept beneath other ideas.

a critical element

Uses "critical" to stress the point's importance and potential impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fundamental point" to introduce an idea that is essential to understanding a topic. For example, "A fundamental point in this discussion is the need for sustainable energy sources."

What phrases are similar to "a fundamental point"?

Alternatives include "a key aspect", "a core element", or "a crucial factor", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a very fundamental point"?

While not grammatically incorrect, adding "very" to "a fundamental point" can be redundant. "Fundamental" already implies a basic and essential nature, so it's often stronger without the intensifier.

Can "a fundamental point" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "a fundamental point" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, though it's more commonly found in formal contexts like academic papers, news articles, and business reports.