at its nucleus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its nucleus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the central or most important part of something, often in a scientific or metaphorical context. Example: "The theory is complex, but at its nucleus lies a simple principle of energy conservation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

After 33 years of decentralization, the country's largest school system is on its way to recentralization, with the mayor at its nucleus.

The New York Times

When too many young artists go small, she plays the long game – putting western art history in the service of a new, transcultural imagination with herself at its nucleus.

The Guardian

At its nucleus was a tall, thin man with long, slicked-back hair and a slightly sinister, Mr. Burns-like expression: he was Sardar Biglari, the chairman and C.E.O. of Biglari Holdings, which controls Steak 'n Shake and is the largest stakeholder in Cracker Barrel.

The New Yorker

Anderson argues, at its nucleus, the War on Terror is nothing but a lattice of stories.

Huffington Post

In this way, the color-code of each neuron can be read out by looking at its nucleus, and the synapses of that neuron can be found by comparing that color-code with the patterns of synaptic markers found at different puncta.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The cytoplasm and nucleus were completely connected at their boundaries.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

At its core, or nucleus, it has a cluster of particles called protons and neutrons, and around them swirl a cloud of electrons.

The New York Times - Magazine

Scientists said the Deep Space 1 probe flew within 1,360 miles of the comet Borrelly, capturing as many as 50 images of its nucleus at varying resolutions.

The New York Times

The researchers have found that if a nerve cell is exposed to one long pulse of serotonin, changes within its nucleus and at its synapses are transient.

The Economist

Its nucleus at the mouth of the river was made off-limits to commercial fishing.

Los Angeles Times

Similarly, the mean fluorescence intensity (integrated density divided by area) was plotted as well as the radius of the G1 nuclei, measured drawing a line through the nucleus at its broadest area using ImageJ, dividing it by two and plotting it against the age of the cell.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at its nucleus" to emphasize the central, irreducible element of a concept, argument, or entity. Ensure the context supports a focus on the foundational or core aspect.

Common error

Avoid using "at its nucleus" when describing peripheral details or supporting arguments. This phrase is best reserved for identifying the most essential component or driving force.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its nucleus" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or clause, specifying the central or most essential aspect. Ludwig provides examples where it highlights the core element of an idea or entity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at its nucleus" pinpoints the central or most vital element of something. Ludwig's analysis highlights its use in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias. While similar to "at its core" or "at its heart", "at its nucleus" often suggests a more concentrated, perhaps even scientific, precision. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for emphasizing the core aspect of a topic. Use it to direct attention to the foundational element essential for understanding the whole.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its heart

Focuses on the emotional or essential core.

at its core

Emphasizes the fundamental or basic element.

at its center

Highlights the physical or metaphorical middle point.

in its essence

Refers to the intrinsic nature or defining characteristic.

at its foundation

Stresses the underlying principles or basis.

primarily

Indicates the main or most important aspect.

fundamentally

Highlights the basic or essential nature.

essentially

Points to the core characteristics of something.

in essence

Similar to 'essentially' but may carry a slightly more philosophical tone.

at the root

Emphasizes the origin or cause of something.

FAQs

How can I use "at its nucleus" in a sentence?

You can use "at its nucleus" to describe the central or most important part of something. For example, "At its nucleus, the theory is quite simple."

What phrases are similar to "at its nucleus"?

Alternatives include "at its heart", "at its core", or "at its center". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "at its core" or "at its nucleus"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "At its core" is generally more common, while "at its nucleus" might be preferred when emphasizing a scientific or highly concentrated central point.

What does "at its nucleus" imply?

"At its nucleus" implies a focus on the most fundamental or essential element of something, suggesting that understanding this central point is key to grasping the whole.