an absolute prerequisite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an absolute prerequisite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is essential or required without exception. Example: "Having a valid driver's license is an absolute prerequisite for this job."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Palestinian officials insist that the refugees' right of return is an absolute prerequisite for a final agreement.

The New York Times

We are long past the time when extensive podium experience is regarded as an absolute prerequisite for performance of the symphonic repertory's grandest works.

The New York Times - Arts

Over the past 15 years, tennis has moved from a sport where intense fitness work came second to innate talent and technical skill to one where it is an absolute prerequisite for success.

The Guardian - Sport

We showed him the film and afterwards he clambered onto the platform and said that the future of Zimbabwe was in this film, that the whole concept of a dual relationship between black and white was an absolute prerequisite.

The Guardian - Film

"Delivering a reliable power supply is an absolute prerequisite for a modern, dynamic, functioning economy, and we have to make sure we generate power needed for the UK grid.

The Guardian

None of these steps is an absolute prerequisite for making a good college choice, but each helps increase the likelihood that you will someday love your college enough to be — well, perhaps, a tour guide.

The New York Times

Fast track, which forces the Congress to vote either "yes" or "no" on a treaty with no amendments, is an absolute prerequisite for doing any trade deals with America.

The Economist

Those months of engagement and of nuclear peacemaking may have done little to affect the mullahs' behavior, but they have been an absolute prerequisite to winning any real coöperation on sanctions from Iran's non-trivial trading partners in Europe, Russia, and China.

The New Yorker

"Keeping this balance is an absolute prerequisite to keeping the market-reform effort going, and I have to congratulate him," Mr. Kozyrev said, adding that he fears that because of this internal balancing act, Mr. Putin has failed to present a coherent Russian view to the world.

The New York Times

If you or I were in America, it is an absolute prerequisite that we show the authorities that we have an address to live at and appropriate medical cover … But the last thing we want is for us to have a US-style health system.

The Guardian

Resolving the Israeli-Palestinian dispute is seen by many as an absolute prerequisite to stability in the Middle East, and, although Iran has been no friend of the peace process, its very militancy could make it a uniquely valuable force if it could be enticed to moderate its position.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an absolute prerequisite", ensure the context clearly establishes what outcome depends on this prerequisite. This provides clarity and reinforces the importance of fulfilling the condition.

Common error

Avoid labeling something as "an absolute prerequisite" if its necessity is debatable or context-dependent. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an absolute prerequisite" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It specifies something that is completely necessary and indispensable for a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an absolute prerequisite" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as indicated by Ludwig AI. It functions to emphasize the indispensable nature of a particular condition or requirement. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts, this phrase communicates a high degree of necessity. For alternative phrasings, consider options like "a mandatory requirement" or "an essential condition", but remember that "an absolute prerequisite" adds considerable emphasis. When writing, ensure the necessity of the prerequisite is clear and avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mandatory requirement

Changes the phrasing to emphasize the obligatory nature of the requirement.

a non-negotiable condition

Highlights the inflexibility of the requirement.

an essential requirement

Replaces "absolute" with "essential" to convey necessity.

a fundamental necessity

Substitutes "prerequisite" with "necessity", indicating a basic need.

a critical condition

Emphasizes the importance of the condition being met.

an indispensable element

Replaces the legalistic tone with something important and necessary.

a sine qua non

Uses a Latin term to denote something absolutely essential.

a must-have

Offers a more informal and concise alternative.

a crucial necessity

Highlights the importance of the requirement for achieving a specific outcome.

a definitive precondition

Stresses that the precondition absolutely must be satisfied.

FAQs

How can I use "an absolute prerequisite" in a sentence?

Use "an absolute prerequisite" to emphasize that something is essential and must be fulfilled before a particular outcome can be achieved. For example: "Passing the entrance exam is "an absolute prerequisite" for admission to the university."

What are some alternatives to "an absolute prerequisite"?

You can use alternatives like "a mandatory requirement", "an essential requirement", or "a non-negotiable condition" depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it redundant to use "absolute prerequisite"?

While "prerequisite" already implies a requirement, adding "absolute" emphasizes the crucial and non-negotiable nature of the requirement. It's not strictly redundant if the goal is to add emphasis.

What's the difference between "an absolute prerequisite" and "a desirable quality"?

"An absolute prerequisite" is something that is essential and required, whereas "a desirable quality" is something that is beneficial or advantageous but not strictly necessary. The former is mandatory, while the latter is optional.