crucial notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crucial notion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an important idea or concept that is essential to understanding a topic or argument. Example: "In the context of climate change, the crucial notion of sustainability must be addressed to ensure a better future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The notion that the personal is political a crucial notion of feminist thought and action (and one that's discussed in Mary Dore's recent documentary film, "She's Beautiful When She's Angry")—is central to Ray's passionate drama.

The New Yorker

The notion that the personal is political — a crucial notion of feminist thought and action (and one that's discussed in Mary Dore's recent documentary film, "She's Beautiful When She's Angry") — is central to Ray's passionate drama.

The New Yorker

Banking was beyond the pale, but presumably on the basis that I knew something about its beer, and because the northern connection did not make it sound too much like selling out, a crucial notion at the time, I made an application to Scottish & Newcastle with the intention of becoming a marketing executive.

The Guardian

One crucial notion setting Roger Clemens's case apart from other drug scandals involving baseball stars is that his former close friend and loyal teammate Andy Pettitte, a man Clemens considered his little brother, could be the most damaging witness against him.

The New York Times - Sports

Above all, that awkward but crucial notion known as "subsidiarity", which was supposed to mean that countries run their own affairs except where it is patently necessary for the Union to intrude for the sake of efficiency, has been too feebly defined in the new document.Ah yes, say the worldly-wise of Brussels.

The Economist

A crucial notion in this definition is that of "an appropriate" model.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The basic idea was that if social entrepreneurship was to become a structured field of research, work must be done to simplify and describe crucial notions and paradigms regarding the same.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

This crucial economic notion of opportunity cost appears prominently in fiction.

The New York Times - Books

" 'Quod in imaginibus, est in lingua.' " Fränkel may have known the meaning of the Latin phrase—"Insofar as it is in images, it is in language"—but he could not have recognized how crucial the notion was to Benjamin's thought, or how tremendously significant the nonsense phrase must have appeared to him.

The New Yorker

" 'Quod in imaginibus, est in lingua.' " Fränkel may have known the meaning of the Latin phrase — "Insofar as it is in images, it is in language" — but he could not have recognized how crucial the notion was to Benjamin's thought, or how tremendously significant the nonsense phrase must have appeared to him.

The New Yorker

Following the Chinese Middle Ages, the main Neo-Confucian ontological concept of structural pattern or principle (li理), as opposed to vital creativity (qi 氣), gradually evolved into a new, crucial epistemological notion.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, pair "crucial notion" with a citation or reference to support its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "crucial notion" excessively in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "essential concept" or "key idea" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crucial notion" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "crucial" modifies the noun "notion". It typically acts as a subject complement or object within a sentence, highlighting the significance of a particular concept as exemplified by Ludwig's results.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crucial notion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize the importance of a concept or idea. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. While the phrase is acceptable and effective, varying your language with synonyms like "essential concept" or "key idea" can enhance your writing. Remember to clearly articulate why the notion is crucial within your specific context. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is suitable for formal and neutral registers, making it versatile for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential concept

Replaces "crucial" with "essential", emphasizing the fundamental nature of the concept.

key idea

Uses "key" instead of "crucial", indicating a central or vital idea.

vital concept

Substitutes "crucial" with "vital", highlighting the importance for success or existence.

fundamental principle

Replaces "notion" with "principle", suggesting a basic and foundational rule or belief.

critical idea

Employs "critical" instead of "crucial", stressing the importance in making judgments or decisions.

significant concept

Uses "significant" to convey the importance and impact of the concept.

important consideration

Shifts the focus to the act of considering something important, rather than the concept itself.

basic tenet

Replaces "notion" with "tenet", implying a principle or belief held as true.

core principle

Highlights that the principle is central and fundamental.

indispensable element

Replaces both words, emphasizing that the element is absolutely necessary.

FAQs

How can I use "crucial notion" in a sentence?

You can use "crucial notion" to emphasize the importance of a concept or idea. For example: "The "essential concept" of sustainability is a "crucial notion" in environmental policy."

What are some alternatives to "crucial notion"?

Some alternatives include "key idea", "essential concept", or "vital concept". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "crucial important notion"?

Yes, saying "crucial important notion" is redundant. The word "crucial" already implies importance, so adding "important" is unnecessary.

What's the difference between a "crucial notion" and a "basic assumption"?

A "crucial notion" is a key concept that is essential to understanding a topic, while a "basic assumption" is an underlying belief or premise that is taken for granted. The "vital concept" has to be considered to build on top a subject while a basic assumption is a prerequisite.