be fundamental to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be fundamental to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is essential, necessary, or important in order to achieve something else. For example: "Having strong communication skills is fundamental to success in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

SHOULD charitable deductions be fundamental to financial capitalism?

The New York Times

So state funding will always be fundamental to universities.

Independent

Your participation continues to be fundamental to understanding these risks.

Harvard University

It should be fundamental to the adult relationships that we want for our children.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Chanel's signature style may well be fundamental to the survival of the designer's mystique.

The New York Times

Whatever happens, Gyan will once again be fundamental to their hopes.

The Guardian - Sport

What is clear is that Warburton's recruitment over the summer will be fundamental to meeting expectations.

The Guardian - Sport

Verma thinks that improving urban planning will be fundamental to protecting society's most vulnerable.

The Guardian

But it does suggest that music may be fundamental to life.

The Economist

The way ahead might be fun, and could be fundamental to the sport's future.

The New York Times - Sports

Both concepts continue to be fundamental to an understanding of modern toxicology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be fundamental to" to emphasize the critical importance of a component or factor in achieving a specific outcome. For example, "Strong communication skills are fundamental to effective teamwork."

Common error

Avoid using "be fundamental to" in overly complex sentences where simpler wording would enhance clarity. Reword to maintain a clear and direct message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be fundamental to" serves as a linking phrase indicating that one element is essential or foundational for another. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used to highlight the critical importance of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

31%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be fundamental to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for emphasizing the critical importance or foundational nature of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and suitable for various contexts. It is particularly common in scientific, news, and academic writing, highlighting its versatility. When using the phrase, ensure clarity and avoid overuse in overly complex sentence structures. Alternatives such as "be essential for" or "be crucial for" can add nuance depending on the context. The phrase consistently conveys a sense of necessity and indispensability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be essential for

Emphasizes necessity rather than a foundational role.

be crucial for

Highlights the importance and criticality of something.

be vital for

Stresses the life-sustaining or indispensable nature.

be integral to

Indicates that something is an essential part of a whole.

be key to

Implies that something is a crucial factor for success.

be central to

Highlights the core or focal importance.

be basic to

Suggests a foundational or elementary nature.

be intrinsic to

Indicates an inherent or essential quality.

be indispensable for

Emphasizes that something is absolutely necessary.

be requisite for

Suggests that something is required or necessary for a particular purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "be fundamental to" in a sentence?

Use "be fundamental to" when describing something essential or necessary for a particular outcome. For example, "Understanding the basics is fundamental to mastering any skill."

What are some alternatives to "be fundamental to"?

You can use alternatives like "be essential for", "be crucial for", or "be vital for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is fundamental for" instead of "be fundamental to"?

While "is fundamental for" might be understood, "be fundamental to" is the more grammatically correct and widely accepted phrasing.

What's the difference between "be fundamental to" and "be important for"?

"Be fundamental to" emphasizes a deeper level of necessity or foundational importance, whereas "be important for" simply indicates something is of significant value or consequence.