at a fundamental level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a fundamental level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a basic or essential aspect of a topic or issue being discussed. Example: "At a fundamental level, all living organisms share the same basic biological processes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This changes the 'who' of warfare, at a fundamental level".

The New Yorker

It couldn't be more different at a fundamental level.

The Guardian - Opinion

At a fundamental level, functioning socially means mastering one's impulses.

The New York Times - Health

"At a fundamental level, it makes so much sense.

The New York Times

MIAMI, Oct. 15 — At a fundamental level, Balanchine choreography is physics rendered as drama.

The New York Times - Arts

At a fundamental level, all of Bloom's work constitutes a sustained superlative for the Bard.

The Guardian - Books

"You know at a fundamental level that the country isn't working.

The Guardian

And at a fundamental level each charity uses different language, logos and colour palettes too.

The Guardian

And how do we address this lack of sector diversity at a fundamental level?

The Guardian

At a fundamental level, this has been the situation since the Scottish election.

The Guardian - Opinion

The answer, at a fundamental level, is that we're paying the price for willful amnesia.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at a fundamental level", ensure the subsequent explanation is genuinely foundational and not merely a general observation.

Common error

Avoid using "at a fundamental level" excessively. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for simpler alternatives like "essentially" or "basically" where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a fundamental level" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a clause or sentence, indicating the perspective from which something is being considered. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at a fundamental level" serves as a valuable tool for introducing core concepts and essential aspects within various contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is considered grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business domains. While versatile, it's advisable to be mindful of overuse and explore alternatives like "essentially" or "on a basic level" to maintain writing clarity and engagement. Using the phrase effectively enhances comprehension by guiding the audience to focus on underlying principles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a basic level

Focuses more on simplicity and ease of understanding.

at its core

Highlights the innermost or most essential part of something.

in essence

Emphasizes the central meaning or nature of something.

essentially

Similar to "in essence", but can also imply simplification.

at a basic level

Suggests a simplified or introductory perspective.

in principle

Focuses on the underlying rule or concept.

fundamentally

A direct adverbial form, indicating a foundational aspect.

at the heart of the matter

Points directly to the central and most important issue.

as a matter of principle

Highlights adherence to a fundamental belief or rule.

at the root

Implies finding the underlying cause or origin.

FAQs

How can I use "at a fundamental level" in a sentence?

You can use "at a fundamental level" to introduce a core concept or essential aspect of a topic. For example, "At a fundamental level, all living organisms share the same basic biological processes".

What are some alternatives to "at a fundamental level"?

You can use alternatives like "on a basic level", "essentially", or "in essence" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "at a fundamental level" or "fundamentally"?

Both "at a fundamental level" and "fundamentally" are correct, but they function differently in a sentence. The former is a prepositional phrase, while the latter is an adverb. Choose the one that fits the grammatical structure of your sentence best.

What does "at a fundamental level" mean?

"At a fundamental level" means considering something in its most basic or essential terms. It's about understanding the underlying principles or core aspects of a subject.