at its root

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “at its root” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to reference the core or underlying issue or meaning of something. For example, “Prejudice and racism are ultimately rooted in fear and ignorance.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is about credibility and trust and, at its root, it is about legitimacy".

The Guardian

And at its root, it's asking for something for nothing.

The Guardian - Opinion

By refusing to tackle poverty at its root, it is the government that is being neglectful.

The Guardian - Opinion

Storytelling has such wide application because, at its root, it serves universal human needs.

University of Chicago

"If it's not protected at its root, then it cannot be protected".

The New Yorker

It is at its root a moral issue.

The New York Times

"It sounds plausible at its root, but I haven't yet seen financial success," he said.

The New York Times - Style

But it must be torn out at its root: Tehran.

Forbes

Something more troubling is at its root.

The New York Times

At its root, the problem is sociological.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The hypocrisy at its root expertly diagnosed by Amy Davidson is unusually audacious.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at its root" to emphasize the underlying cause or fundamental nature of a complex issue, especially when simplifying explanations for a broader audience.

Common error

Avoid using "at its root" when a simpler word like "because" or "essentially" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its root" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It typically introduces the fundamental cause, origin, or essence of a situation, problem, or concept. Ludwig examples confirm this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at its root" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to identify the core cause or fundamental nature of something. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage across various contexts, with a high frequency in news and media, academic writing, and formal business communication. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse in simple situations where more direct language would suffice. Consider related alternatives such as "at its core" or "fundamentally" to achieve the desired nuance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its core

Focuses on the central or most important part, rather than the origin.

at its heart

Implies the emotional or essential nature of something.

fundamentally

Indicates the basic or essential character of something.

in essence

Highlights the intrinsic nature or quality of something.

primarily

Emphasizes the main or most important factor.

basically

Indicates the simplest or most essential form.

at the base

Focuses on the foundational element or starting point.

in reality

Highlights the actual state of affairs or underlying truth.

at the bottom

Emphasizes the lowest or most fundamental level.

in origin

Focuses specifically on the starting point or source.

FAQs

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

You can use "at its root" to point to the fundamental cause or essence of something. For example, "At its root, the problem is a lack of communication."

What phrases are similar to "at its root"?

Similar phrases include "at its core", "fundamentally", or "in essence". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "at its root" formal or informal?

"At its root" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In very informal settings, simpler alternatives might be preferable.

What's the difference between "at its root" and "at its source"?

"At its root" emphasizes the underlying cause or essential nature, while "at its source" focuses more specifically on the origin or starting point. The best choice depends on whether you're highlighting the cause or the origin.