at the core

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the core" is a perfectly acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to the most fundamental part of something. For example: "At the core of this argument is the need for change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What's at the core of it?

The New York Times

"It's not rotten at the core.

The New York Times

PEEKSKILL "Art at The Core," group show.

The New York Times

"The lie at the core.

The Guardian - Arts

The radical absurdity at the core.

The New York Times - Books

Digging is at the core of journalism.

The Guardian - Opinion

But only when applied at the core.

The Guardian

At the core, it's about friendship.

The New York Times - Arts

Hollow at the core, they will fall.

The New York Times

"That is at the core of Worldreader".

The Guardian

Kindness is at the core of it.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the core", ensure that the surrounding sentences provide sufficient context for the reader to understand what that core refers to. Avoid vague or ambiguous references.

Common error

Avoid using "at the core" to oversimplify complex topics. While it's useful for highlighting key elements, ensure your explanation still acknowledges the nuances and complexities involved.

Linguistic Context

"At the core" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or clause. It serves to pinpoint the most essential aspect or foundational element of something. Ludwig AI confirms the widespread usage of this phrase, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the core" is a widely used prepositional phrase that serves to emphasize the most fundamental aspect of something. Ludwig AI and the numerous examples provided confirm its grammatical correctness and versatility across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using "at the core", ensure clarity and avoid oversimplification. Alternatives like "at the heart of" and "in essence" offer similar emphasis. This phrase helps to focus attention on the most crucial element in any discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the heart of

This alternative uses "heart" instead of "core", implying the central and most important part.

in essence

This phrase highlights the fundamental nature of something, stripping away non-essential details.

fundamentally

This adverb focuses on the basic and foundational aspect of the subject.

at the base of

This alternative uses "base" instead of "core", suggesting the underlying foundation.

at the root of

This phrase implies the origin or cause of something, similar to the core concept.

in its simplest form

This highlights the essential elements when something is reduced to its most basic state.

at the center of

Using "center" emphasizes the central or focal point, much like the core.

the crux of the matter

This emphasizes the decisive point on which everything depends.

boiled down to

This implies reducing something to its most essential elements.

the key element is

This alternative singles out the most important component.

FAQs

How can I use "at the core" in a sentence?

"At the core" is used to identify the most fundamental or essential element of something. For example, "At the core of the problem is a lack of communication."

What phrases are similar to "at the core"?

Alternatives include "at the heart of", "in essence", or "fundamentally". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "at the core" or "in the core"?

"At the core" is the correct and more common phrase. "In the core" is grammatically incorrect and rarely used in standard English.

What does it mean when something is described as being "rotten at the core"?

When something is "rotten at the core", it means its fundamental principles or values are corrupt or flawed. This suggests that the problem is deep-seated and difficult to fix.