essential concept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "essential concept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a fundamental idea or principle that is crucial to understanding a topic or subject matter. Example: "The essential concept of democracy is the participation of citizens in the decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

That's the essential concept that I had at the start.

The Guardian

Fair use has become an essential concept to many bloggers, who often quote portions of articles before discussing them.

The New York Times

Seeing Eye calls this intelligent disobedience, a difficult but essential concept for a guide dog to master.

The New York Times

Although few prisons with panopticons were ever built, they became an essential concept for the analysis of cities and government during the 20th century.

The Guardian

She urged Ms. Dimino to start not on the beat, but a few split seconds behind the beat in an essential concept known as back-phrasing.

The New York Times - Arts

Work for those who can and security for those who can't is the essential concept at the heart of our welfare reform strategy.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Health Standard 8- Knows essential concepts about the prevention and control of disease.

The New York Times

Academic Content Standards: Grades 6-8 Hessentialndard 6- Understands essential concepts about nutrition and diet.

The New York Times

This claim is based on three essential concepts.

Independent

This is a bold statement, but I think the Netflix Player proves all the essential concepts.

The New York Times

Academic Content Standards: Grades 6-8 Health Standard 8- Knows essential concepts about the prevention and control of disease.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a complex topic, begin by clearly stating the "essential concept" to provide a foundation for understanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience already understands the "essential concept". Always define and explain it, even if it seems obvious to you.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "essential concept" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It is typically used to introduce a fundamental idea or principle that is crucial for understanding a particular subject. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in diverse fields, reinforcing its role as a core element in explanations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "essential concept" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that introduces a core idea or principle. As shown by Ludwig, it is versatile, appearing in diverse fields like science, news, and encyclopedias. It's used to set a foundation of knowledge and guide the audience's understanding. When writing, define the concept, even if seemingly obvious, to avoid overlooking the audience's existing knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental principle

Focuses on the foundational nature of the concept.

core idea

Emphasizes the central and most important aspect.

key notion

Highlights the importance and relevance of the concept.

basic tenet

Implies a principle that is widely held and accepted.

central theme

Suggests a recurring and unifying element.

underlying principle

Focuses on the concept's role as a base for further understanding.

critical element

Highlights the concept's importance for success or completeness.

cornerstone of

Emphasizes the foundational nature and importance of the concept.

integral aspect

Highlights the concept's role as necessary part of a whole.

indispensable element

Emphasizes that the concept is crucial and impossible to do without.

FAQs

How can I use "essential concept" in a sentence?

You can use "essential concept" to introduce a foundational idea or principle, as in, "The "essential concept" of democracy is citizen participation."

What are some alternatives to "essential concept"?

Consider using phrases like "fundamental principle", "core idea", or "key notion" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it redundant to say "essential basic concept"?

Yes, using "essential" and "basic" together is often redundant. Choose either "essential concept" or "basic concept" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "essential concept" and "key concept"?

While similar, "essential concept" emphasizes the foundational and indispensable nature of the idea, whereas "key concept" highlights its importance and relevance within a specific context.