at the core of

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the core of" is a perfectly correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to the most essential or fundamental element of something. For example: "At the core of their relationship, there was a strong understanding and mutual trust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What's at the core of it?

The New York Times

Digging is at the core of journalism.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That is at the core of Worldreader".

The Guardian

Kindness is at the core of it.

The New York Times - Books

Taxes are at the core of democracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

At the core of friendship is vulnerability.

The Washington Post

Partnership is at the core of CEGA.

University of California, Berkeley

At the core of collaboration is trust.

Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews

Music is at the core of "Life," as it is at the core of Keith.

The New York Times - Books

Sustainable learning should be at the core of executive education.

The Guardian

Lack of education is often at the core of this.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the core of" to emphasize the most fundamental or essential aspect of a concept, argument, or entity. This helps to focus the reader's attention on the most important element.

Common error

Avoid using "at the core of" for minor or peripheral details. Ensure the element you're highlighting truly represents the fundamental essence, not just a contributing factor. Don't overuse it: reserve it for the most important aspects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the core of" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the most fundamental, essential, or central aspect of something. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

16%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the core of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to emphasize the most fundamental or essential aspect of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts. Its prevalence in sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its utility in both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that you are highlighting the truly fundamental element, avoiding its use for minor or peripheral details. Alternatives like "fundamental to", "central to", and "essential to" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental to

Emphasizes the foundational nature, making it essential.

central to

Highlights the importance of being in the center or as a focal point.

essential to

Stresses the necessity and indispensability of something.

key to

Suggests that something is a crucial element for achieving a certain outcome.

underlying

Focuses on something existing beneath the surface and influencing it.

at the heart of

Uses a more metaphorical expression, suggesting deep emotional connection or importance.

intrinsic to

Highlights that something is an inherent part of something else.

basic to

Emphasizes the foundational and elementary nature.

inherent in

Indicates something existing as a natural or inseparable quality or element.

primary to

Emphasizes the importance and precedence over other aspects.

FAQs

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

Use "at the core of" to point out the most important element. For instance, "Trust is at the core of any successful relationship".

What phrases can I use instead of "at the core of"?

Alternatives include "fundamental to", "central to", or "essential to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to use "at the core of" or "at the heart of"?

"At the core of" tends to be more neutral, while "at the heart of" carries a slightly more emotional or metaphorical weight.

What is the difference between "at the core of" and "underlying"?

"At the core of" highlights the essential element, whereas "underlying" emphasizes a foundational element that might not be immediately apparent but influences everything else.