at the very core

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'at the very core' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to emphasize the most important or essential part of something. For example, "At the very core of our company, we value fairness and honesty in all our business dealings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's at the very core of who I am.

The New Yorker

This was at the very core of your being.

The New Yorker

"At the very core of it, it's stupid," he said.

The New York Times

Death is at the very core of the Christian religion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Consciousness is at the very core of the human condition.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

At the very core, that is why I am here.

Harvard University

So we decided at the very core of what we do will be emotion".

The New York Times - Sports

It is also at the very core of why women hold themselves back.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was another problem: privacy was at the very core of their feelings about sex.

The Guardian - Books

But this naivety was at the very core of Wodehouse's social and artistic personality.

The Guardian - Books

Right now, I'm talking about things at the very core of my existence".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the very core" to highlight the most crucial element or principle. It's effective for emphasizing importance and centrality in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While versatile, using "at the very core" excessively, especially in casual conversation, can sound overly formal. Consider using simpler alternatives like "essentially" or "basically" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the very core" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, emphasizing the central or most fundamental aspect of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is widely used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

28%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the very core" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to emphasize the most fundamental or essential aspect of something. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, academic, and scientific writing. While generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid overuse in informal settings. Consider alternatives like "in essence" or "fundamentally" for a more casual tone. By understanding its function and appropriate usage, you can effectively incorporate "at the very core" into your writing to highlight crucial elements and ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the heart of

This alternative uses a more metaphorical term, "heart", to convey the central and vital aspect of something.

in essence

This option is more concise and emphasizes the intrinsic nature of something, simplifying the original phrase.

fundamentally

This single-word alternative focuses on the foundational aspect of something.

at its base

This option is less common and more literal, suggesting a starting point or foundation.

at the root of

This alternative implies the origin or cause of something, adding a layer of causality.

at the foundation of

Emphasizes the structural or supporting role of the base element.

in its basic form

Highlights the simplicity and reduced state of element.

in its simplest terms

Focuses on ease of understanding and lack of complexity.

essentially

Similar to "in essence", but can also refer to stripping something down to its core components.

in principle

This option emphasizes the guiding idea or rule, rather than a physical center.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the very core" to emphasize the essential element of something, for example, "Honesty is "at the very core" of our business philosophy."

What are some alternatives to "at the very core"?

Alternatives include "at the heart of", "in essence", or "fundamentally", depending on the context.

Is "at the very core" formal or informal?

"At the very core" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards formality. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "at the very core" and "essentially"?

"At the very core" emphasizes the central and vital nature of something, while "essentially" focuses on simplifying or summarizing something to its most basic elements.