at the very root

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the very root" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the fundamental or essential aspect of a situation or issue. Example: "At the very root of the problem lies a lack of communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

This, he said, was at the "very root of electoral corruption.

The Guardian

There is a tragic self-mutilation at the very root of civilisation".

The Guardian - Books

And despite what those who defend capitalism might suggest, the profit motive was at the very root of the problem.

The Guardian - Business

"He knew it was going to take a transformation at the very root of what it was to be Protestant".

The New York Times

Their position at the very root of our family tree has led scientists to claim that the skeletons will help define what it means to be human.

The Guardian

The notion that power should be limited so that no person or institution can enjoy unaccountable influence is at the very root of our democracy.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Here was criticism that struck at the very roots of Aristotle's system of the world.

Britannica

But his concept of starting at the very roots of intelligence is compelling.

The New York Times

In fact, development itself generates a number of strains on societies that lie at the very roots of conflict.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thanks for sharing this Bill Ury! Preventing violence and learning how to resolve conflict equitably with dignity is at the very roots of a civilized society.

Harvard University

Their new program committed the leaders of the movement to a struggle for power because it struck at the very roots of the regime to which the German church had grown accustomed and on which the German kings relied.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the very root" to introduce the most fundamental reason or cause of a problem or situation, particularly when addressing complex or multifaceted issues.

Common error

Avoid using "at the very root" for simple matters. Instead of saying "The problem is at the very root of the bad cable", consider using "The problem is because of the bad cable". This keeps your writing concise and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the very root" functions as a prepositional phrase. It is commonly used to modify a noun or noun phrase, indicating the fundamental cause, origin, or essence of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and serves to emphasize a foundational element.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the very root" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to emphasize the fundamental cause or origin of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, noting its effectiveness in highlighting essential aspects. It is commonly found in news, academic, and encyclopedic sources, making it suitable for various contexts. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for significant underlying issues rather than overusing it in simple situations. Alternative phrases like "at the core" or "at the heart of" can be used to achieve a similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the core

Focuses on the central and most important part of something.

at the heart of

Emphasizes the emotional or vital center of something.

at the foundation of

Highlights the base or groundwork upon which something is built.

fundamentally

Adverb emphasizing the basic and essential nature.

in essence

Captures the most important aspect of something.

at the base of

Indicates the underlying support or starting point.

in its origin

Focuses on the initial source or cause.

primarily

Highlights the main or chief aspect.

essentially

Points out the fundamental nature of something.

in principle

Refers to the basic idea or rule.

FAQs

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

Use "at the very root" to emphasize the fundamental cause or origin of something. For example, "At the very root of the issue is a lack of funding".

What can I say instead of "at the very root"?

You can use alternatives like "at the core", "at the heart of", or "at the foundation of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "at the very root" or "at the root"?

"At the very root" emphasizes the depth and fundamental nature of the cause more strongly than simply "at the root". The choice depends on the level of emphasis you wish to convey.

Can "at the very root" be used for both positive and negative situations?

Yes, "at the very root" can be used in both positive and negative contexts. For instance, "At the very root of their success was dedication", or "At the very root of the failure was mismanagement".