an essential precondition for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an essential precondition for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is necessary or required before another action or event can take place. Example: "Having a stable internet connection is an essential precondition for participating in the online course."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Recent statements from Iranian officials suggest that a suspension of uranium enrichment - considered an essential precondition of further talks by the six negotiating countries - is not up for discussion.

The Guardian

In Jainism, intent is important but not an essential precondition of sin or wrong conduct.

Wikipedia

You can argue that man through culture creates stability, or you can argue, just as plausibly, that stability is for culture an essential precondition.

The New Yorker

Affordable access to essential medicines is increasingly recognised as a global public good, providing an essential precondition to a reasonable quality of life for a significant proportion of every human population, being systematically underprovided by private market forces and imposing burdensome international externality costs on third parties[ 53].

Globalization and Health

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using "an essential precondition for" to emphasize the critical nature of a requirement, adding weight to your argument or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "an essential precondition for" when the condition is merely helpful or beneficial, but not strictly necessary. Overusing this phrase can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an essential precondition for" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something absolutely necessary or required before a specific outcome can be achieved. Ludwig's examples showcase this phrase's role in establishing causal relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an essential precondition for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies something indispensable for a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and proper usage. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, it emphasizes the necessity of a condition. While highly effective in formal settings, simpler alternatives may be preferable in informal conversation. When using this phrase, ensure the connection between the precondition and its result is unambiguous and that the condition is indeed essential, not just beneficial. Related phrases include "a fundamental prerequisite for" and "a critical requirement for". The frequency of this phrase is very common, supported by a high expert rating on its grammar, source authority, and consistent use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental prerequisite for

Replaces "essential precondition" with synonyms, emphasizing the basic and necessary nature of the requirement.

a critical requirement for

Substitutes "essential precondition" with a phrase highlighting the importance and necessity of the condition.

a vital necessity for

Emphasizes the indispensable nature of the condition for achieving a particular outcome.

a key enabler of

Focuses on the enabling aspect of the condition, suggesting it makes something possible.

an indispensable element for

Highlights that without the precondition it's impossible to make something happen or to be successful.

a basic condition for

Indicates a simple, fundamental need, differing from the more emphatic "essential".

a must-have for

Emphasizes the necessity of something in a more informal way.

a preliminary step for

Indicates that the subject is an action that must be taken beforehand, focusing on the sequential aspect.

a building block for

Suggests the condition is a foundational element upon which something else is built.

a gateway to

Suggests that the condition opens the way to something else, acting as an entry point.

FAQs

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

Use "an essential precondition for" to indicate a necessary condition that must be met before something else can occur. For example, "A stable government is "an essential precondition for" economic growth".

What are some alternatives to saying "an essential precondition for"?

Alternatives include "a fundamental prerequisite for", "a critical requirement for", or "a key enabler of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "an essential precondition for" and "an important precondition for"?

"An essential precondition for" emphasizes that the condition is absolutely necessary. "An important precondition for" suggests the condition is significant but not necessarily indispensable. The former conveys a stronger sense of necessity.

Can "an essential precondition for" be used in informal contexts?

While grammatically correct in any context, "an essential precondition for" is more common in formal or academic writing. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "necessary for" or "needed for" might be more appropriate.