essence of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "essence of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe the most essential part of something and is often used in a literary or poetic context. For example, "The essence of her beauty was in the purity of her spirit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The essence of matter.

Independent

The essence of the split?

The New York Times

The essence of the game?

The New York Times

"The essence of terror".

The Guardian

Essence of essence.

The Guardian - Music

The essence of intensity.

The Guardian - Sport

Truly essence of Berlin.

The Guardian - Music

The essence of movies.

The Guardian - Film

Essence of the essential.

The New Yorker

Live recordings are the essence of jazz.

The New Yorker

The essence of the problem is unchanged.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "essence of" to pinpoint the most crucial or defining quality of a subject, ensuring your writing is concise and impactful. For example, instead of describing numerous features, focus on what makes it uniquely significant.

Common error

Avoid using "essence of" excessively when simpler, more direct language will suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose or pretentious, particularly in contexts where straightforward descriptions are preferable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "essence of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, identifying the most fundamental or important quality of something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "essence of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the most vital aspect of something, according to Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase modifier, helping to highlight the core nature of a subject. Primarily found in news and media, but also present in encyclopedic and scientific contexts, its register is considered neutral. To maximize impact, use "essence of" to concisely define critical qualities, but avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity. Alternatives like "heart of the matter" or "core of the problem" can offer variety while retaining similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heart of the matter

Focuses on the central issue or point.

crux of the issue

Highlights the most important point to resolve.

core of the problem

Emphasizes the central aspect needing resolution.

gist of the argument

Refers to the main point being conveyed.

nub of the question

Pinpoints the central element requiring consideration.

substance of the claim

Indicates the fundamental truth or validity.

pith of the story

Highlights the core message or meaning.

kernel of truth

Refers to the small but significant element of accuracy.

underlying principle

Focuses on the basic concept that supports something.

central theme

Identifies the main recurring idea.

FAQs

How can I use "essence of" in a sentence?

Use "essence of" to highlight the most important or fundamental aspect of something. For instance, "The essence of leadership is inspiring others".

What are some alternatives to "essence of"?

You can use alternatives like "heart of", "core of", or "gist of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "essential of" instead of "essence of"?

No, "essential of" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is "essence of", which means the most important aspect or quality of something.

What's the difference between "essence of" and "nature of"?

"Essence of" refers to the fundamental quality or most important aspect, while "nature of" describes the inherent character or basic constitution. "Essence of" emphasizes importance; "nature of" emphasizes inherent characteristics.