core concepts

USAGE SUMMARY

"core concepts" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to the most important or fundamental ideas or principles within a particular topic or subject. Example: In this course, we will explore the core concepts of economics, including supply and demand, scarcity, and opportunity cost.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The white paper only vaguely defines core concepts.

The Guardian

The core concepts behind the software were nurtured at Google.

The New York Times - Tech

The other core concepts that we approach through art include perspective and empathy.

The New Yorker

At Southampton she took biology, chemistry, calculus and archaeology, all sprinkled with core concepts of sustainability.

The New York Times

A leaner science curriculum gives time to embed core concepts securely.

The Guardian

Mr Williamson has centralised in California the responsibility for brand, risk and interoperability three core concepts.

The Economist

For now, development corporation officials remain committed to realizing the core concepts of whichever plan is chosen.

The New York Times - Arts

And the moving target is not just technical features, but core concepts such as pages, content, keywords, and so on.

The Guardian

It will challenge the core concepts of American identity and global security as we have known them for generations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some of its core concepts are reused in this work.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

These six variables are to be found among core concepts.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a new subject, clearly define the "core concepts" early on to provide a solid foundation for understanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience already understands the "core concepts". Always provide sufficient context and explanation, even if it seems basic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "core concepts" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows that it is used to identify fundamental aspects within a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "core concepts" is a very common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote the fundamental ideas or principles of a subject. Ludwig confirms that its usage spans across diverse contexts like science, news, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure you define the concepts clearly and provide sufficient context for your audience. Consider using alternatives like "fundamental principles" or "key ideas" for variety. Avoiding assumptions about the audience's prior knowledge is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Foundational concepts

Emphasizes the concepts that form the base of understanding.

Fundamental principles

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the concepts.

Key ideas

Focuses on the most important ideas within a topic.

Basic tenets

Highlights the foundational beliefs or doctrines.

Essential elements

Stresses the necessary components of a subject.

Central notions

Focuses on main ideas or beliefs.

Central themes

Underscores the main recurring subjects or topics.

Underlying principles

Focuses on the foundational ideas upon which something is based.

Principal components

Highlights the most important parts of a whole.

Cornerstones

Highlights the essential, indispensable elements.

FAQs

How can I effectively explain "core concepts" in my writing?

Begin by defining the "core concepts" clearly and concisely. Use examples and analogies to illustrate their meaning, and relate them back to the main topic to show their relevance.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "core concepts"?

You can use alternatives like "fundamental principles", "key ideas", or "essential elements" depending on the context.

In academic writing, how important is it to emphasize "core concepts"?

It's crucial. Academic writing should always highlight the "core concepts" to ensure readers grasp the foundational knowledge and understand the broader implications of the research or analysis.

What's the difference between "core concepts" and "related concepts"?

"Core concepts" are the essential, fundamental ideas, while "related concepts" are ideas that are connected to or build upon those core ideas, but are not necessarily foundational themselves.