Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
core notion
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "core notion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a basic or central idea, concept, belief, or opinion. For example, "The core notion of our team is that everyone should strive for success."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(20)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
24 human-written examples
Such is the core notion of the stag and hen party: not one last jolly or hurrah, but a final reminder of how bleak and upsetting it is spending an evening in a nightclub without managing to have any fun.
News & Media
From the black leaders' perspective, the problem was trying to square the core notion of benefiting as many black people as possible with the need to run an efficient business.
News & Media
In a contestatory democracy where the core notion, however debased by overuse and however degraded by money and power, is that political differences are settled by debate words have, of necessity, a quality not so much sacred as practical.
News & Media
Because the core notion of being President is that you no longer represent a single tribe in a political battle but, rather, the superintending rules of political battle itself.
News & Media
After years of these societies passively or haphazardly accommodating immigrants from Islamic countries and black Africa, a reversed core notion now insists that the newcomers' behavior must accommodate the majority's.
News & Media
On Friday, after the report was released, critics such as the NSW Council of Civil Liberties and Prof Kim Rubenstein of the Australian National University agreed that the worst elements of had been addressed but constitutionality was still an issue and the core notion of using citizenship as punishment was still problematic.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
34 human-written examples
It will also marginalize the West in history and upend our core notions of what it means to be modern.
News & Media
Bier describes A Second Chance as "almost like a morality tale" that "confron[s] our core notions that some people are better than others, some people are more right than others".
News & Media
How do we make sense of what goes on around us? What are the core notions that all of our systematic knowledge is based on?" … Contrary to the Swiss developmental psychologist Jean Piaget, Spelke says that even newborns understand that things still exist when we can no longer see them.
News & Media
This ontology was developed to provide an unambiguous definition of core notions of robotics and related topics.
It is worth noting that in most literature on governance of complex problems, core notions are not always clearly specified.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "core notion" to clearly identify the most fundamental or essential concept within a discussion or analysis. It helps focus the reader on the central point being made.
Common error
Avoid using "core notion" in contexts where simpler terms like "main idea" or "basic concept" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound pretentious.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "core notion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a central or fundamental concept. As supported by Ludwig, it's used to pinpoint the most crucial element of a theory, argument, or system of thought.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
32%
Formal & Business
16%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
4%
Wiki
4%
Reference
4%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "core notion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase, pinpointing central concepts within diverse fields, particularly science, news, and formal communications. While acceptable for use in formal writing, in informal contexts, simpler terms such as "main idea" may be more appropriate. The phrase is widely employed in authoritative sources like The New York Times and academic publications. The AI analysis suggests that "core notion" effectively underscores fundamental ideas, making it a valuable asset in academic and professional discourse.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
fundamental concept
Replaces "notion" with "concept", emphasizing the conceptual nature of the idea.
central idea
Substitutes "core" with "central" and "notion" with "idea", highlighting the main point.
basic principle
Replaces "core notion" with a term that underlines a guiding rule or belief.
key concept
Uses "key" instead of "core", stressing the importance of the concept.
essential element
Shifts the focus to an indispensable component, rather than a general idea.
primary tenet
Implies a belief or doctrine that is a central component of a system of thought.
underlying assumption
Highlights the foundational belief upon which an argument or idea is based.
foundational idea
Emphasizes the role of the idea as a base or foundation for further development.
guiding principle
Focuses on the idea as a directive for action or thought.
central tenet
Highlights idea being a focal point in a belief or a theory.
FAQs
How can I use "core notion" in a sentence?
You can use "core notion" to introduce a fundamental idea. For instance, "The "core notion" of this theory is that all individuals are inherently equal."
What phrases are similar to "core notion"?
Alternatives to "core notion" include "fundamental concept", "central idea", or "basic principle", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.
Is it appropriate to use "core notion" in informal writing?
While grammatically correct, "core notion" is more suited to formal or academic writing. In informal contexts, simpler terms like "main idea" might be more appropriate.
What makes "core notion" different from "basic idea"?
"Core notion" suggests a more foundational and critical element than a "basic idea". The former implies something indispensable to the overall concept, while the latter simply refers to a general understanding.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested