an essential precondition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an essential precondition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is necessary for another event or condition to occur. Example: "Having a stable internet connection is an essential precondition for participating in the online meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is an essential precondition to getting out of the crisis".

The New York Times

This would be an essential precondition before any serious discussion of reunification could begin.

The Economist

Some who wrote responses argued that security from terrorism is an essential precondition for liberty.

The New York Times

To some fundamentalist Christians its existence is an essential precondition for the return of the Messiah.

The Economist

Above all, tolerating dissent is an essential precondition for any commitment to developing ideas beyond soundbites.

Independent

Trust among cooperating agents is an essential precondition for every e-business transaction.

Journal of Systems Architecture

"Breaking down" was, of course, an essential precondition for "breaking through" that would finally cure us of the human condition.

The Guardian - Books

2. The historical experience of parole suggests that a horizon of hope is an essential precondition for legitimacy in prisons.

University of California, Berkeley

A settlement of the long-drawn-out Cyprus dispute is anyway an essential precondition for Turkish entry.

The Economist

Investment-grade credit is an essential precondition for meeting physical and systemic energy market security objectives and maximising welfare.

Economic Analysis and Policy

Hutu and Tutsi in both countries see the exclusive control of the state as an essential precondition to their survival as a people.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an essential precondition", ensure that the subsequent outcome or event is directly and logically dependent on the stated precondition. For example, "Sufficient funding is an essential precondition for the project's success."

Common error

Avoid using "an essential precondition" for minor or trivial requirements. Reserve it for truly critical factors that have a significant impact on the outcome. For example, using it to describe a preferred but not crucial element can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an essential precondition" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a necessary requirement for a specific outcome or situation. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across various contexts where establishing a foundational necessity is crucial.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an essential precondition" is a frequently used phrase across various domains, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia, to highlight a critical requirement. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and conveys a condition that must be met for a specific outcome. When writing, it's important to reserve this phrase for truly critical factors to avoid diluting its impact, and to ensure the stated precondition is logically linked to the subsequent event. Alternatives such as "a key requirement" or "a fundamental prerequisite" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental prerequisite

Replaces 'essential' with 'fundamental' and 'precondition' with 'prerequisite', emphasizing basic necessity.

a key requirement

Simplifies the phrase, using 'key' to highlight importance and 'requirement' as a direct substitute.

a vital necessity

Focuses on the critical importance, using 'vital' and 'necessity' to underscore the indispensable nature.

a critical imperative

Emphasizes urgency and importance, suggesting the condition is not just necessary but also pressing.

an indispensable element

Highlights that the condition cannot be done without, using 'indispensable' and 'element' to convey necessity.

a mandatory condition

Stresses the obligatory aspect, indicating that the condition must be met.

a necessary antecedent

Uses a more formal term ('antecedent') to indicate that the condition must precede something else.

a prime condition

Highlights the importance of the condition by calling it the "prime" one.

a basic essential

A more emphatic way of saying "something is necessary".

a sine qua non

Uses a Latin term meaning 'without which, not', emphasizing absolute necessity in a formal context.

FAQs

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

Use "an essential precondition" to introduce a condition that is absolutely necessary for something else to occur. For example, "Trust is "an essential precondition" for a successful partnership".

What are some alternatives to "an essential precondition"?

Alternatives include "a key requirement", "a fundamental prerequisite", or "a vital necessity". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality desired.

Is it redundant to say "essential precondition"? Isn't a precondition always essential?

While 'precondition' implies necessity, adding 'essential' emphasizes the critical importance of that specific condition. It highlights that this particular precondition is non-negotiable for the desired outcome.

What's the difference between "an essential precondition" and "an important consideration"?

"An essential precondition" denotes something absolutely necessary, without which the desired outcome is impossible. "An important consideration", on the other hand, suggests something that should be taken into account but isn't necessarily make-or-break.