an essential law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an essential law" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a law that is fundamental or necessary within a particular context or system. Example: "The new regulations are based on an essential law that governs environmental protection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The city argued that the ban on masks was an essential law enforcement tool that prevented demonstrators from concealing their faces.

The New York Times

Last week, the Police Department reported a spike in street stops, which it said were "an essential law enforcement tool": 145,098 from January through March, more than during any quarter in six years.

The New York Times

"Stop-and-questioning or stop-and-frisks of individuals in connection with suspected criminal activity is an essential law enforcement tool," said Assistant Chief Michael Collins, a police spokesman.

The New York Times

— Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. has defended the use of sting operations orchestrated by government informers, telling advocates for the civil rights of American Muslims on Friday night that the tactic is an "essential law enforcement tool in uncovering and preventing terror attacks".

The New York Times

In a new-year address this week, Ms Park described it as "an essential law that ensures minimum security in the case of a unique weakness".In this section Ask Siri Contagion Cabinet joiners Banned praise Yingluck in the dock The Hindutva rate of growth ReprintsFresh instances continue to justify it, say its supporters.

The Economist

Of course, the notion of an essential law needs further clarification.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"We have fostered a generation of 'rock 'n' roll' craftsmen who float in a sea of violent and misunderstood 'self-expressionism,' disregarding all essential laws of human and artistic integrity," she wrote in a 1973 memoir.

The New York Times - Arts

Other meanings are inconsistent because they conflict with some general material a priori truth, also called "essential law".

SEP

David Banks is co-author of McNae's Essential Law for Journalists and a media law consultant.

The Guardian

David Banks is co-author of McNae's Essential Law for Journalists and is a media law consultant.

The Guardian

For graduates or professionals wanting to develop their understanding and knowledge of essential law, the CIM is running a one-day course, Must-know law for Marketers, on 8 June in London.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an essential law", ensure that the context clearly establishes what makes the law essential. Provide supporting details or reasons to highlight its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "an essential law" hyperbolically for minor regulations. Reserve the phrase for laws that genuinely underpin significant aspects of society, governance, or individual rights.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an essential law" functions as a noun phrase where 'essential' acts as an adjective modifying 'law'. It identifies a specific law that is considered indispensable or fundamental. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an essential law" is a grammatically sound phrase used to underscore the critical importance of a specific legal provision. According to Ludwig AI, it is perfectly correct and usable in written English. Its frequency is uncommon. It appears most frequently in news, media, and science-related contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies what makes the law indispensable, and avoid hyperbolic application. Alternatives such as ""a fundamental law"" or "a crucial law" can provide similar emphasis depending on the nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental law

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the law.

a crucial law

Highlights the critical importance of the law.

a necessary law

Focuses on the indispensability of the law.

a vital law

Stresses the life-sustaining or extremely important aspect of the law.

an indispensable law

Implies the law is absolutely necessary and can't be done without.

a key law

Indicates the law is central or pivotal.

a principal law

Highlights the law as being one of the most important.

a core law

Emphasizes that the law is at the center of a system or belief.

a basic law

Focuses on the simplicity and fundamental nature of the law.

a requisite law

Emphasizes the required or obligatory nature of the law.

FAQs

How can I use "an essential law" in a sentence?

You can use "an essential law" to describe a rule or regulation that is fundamental and necessary for a system or society to function correctly. For instance, "The right to free speech is "a fundamental law" in many democracies".

What are some alternatives to "an essential law"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""a fundamental law"", "a crucial law", or "a necessary law", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "an absolutely essential law"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "absolutely essential" can be somewhat redundant. The term "essential" already implies necessity. It's often stronger to simply state "an essential law" and let the context highlight its importance.

In legal writing, is "an essential law" considered formal enough?

Yes, "an essential law" is suitable for formal legal writing. It clearly and directly conveys the importance of a specific law. Alternatives like ""a fundamental law"" or "a requisite law" might also be appropriate, depending on the context.