foundational concept

USAGE SUMMARY

"foundational concept" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You could use it to refer to a basic idea in a particular area of study, for example: "The foundational concept of this course is understanding how different economic models work."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Delegation is a foundational concept for understanding and engineering systems that interact and execute tasks autonomously.

Artificial Intelligence

Job costing is a core foundational concept in the introductory managerial accounting course.

Journal of Accounting Education

9. Tacit knowledge is a foundational concept in the resource-based view of the company.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

With I. Nasell, he developed a semi-stochastic model that suggested strategies for control of the disease and which became a foundational concept in mathematical epidemiology.

The New York Times

The foundational concept component of the flexible engineering degree consist of basic science and engineering subjects that help lay the groundwork for the chosen concentration.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Of course, there are a plethora of examples where religious NGOs have accomplished fulfilling noble projects of improving human wellbeing, but the underlying foundational concept of converting the population to a given faith cannot be ignored.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Classic articles, legal cases, and foundational concepts.

Stanford University

Foundational Concepts in Neuroscience: A Brain-Mind Odyssey.

University of California, Berkeley

Berzelius had provided both the patronage and the foundational concepts for Mitscherlich's own career.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They're foundational concepts on which companies have built greatness over many years.

Harvard Business Review

Although individual technologies change day by day, they are underpinned by foundational concepts and principles that have endured for decades.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "foundational concept", ensure that you clearly define the concept being referred to, as it sets the stage for further understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "foundational concept" as a vague term. Instead, specify which concept is foundational and why it is crucial to the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foundational concept" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or appositive. As shown by Ludwig, it highlights a core idea or principle that underpins a larger system or argument.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

33%

Science

41%

News & Media

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "foundational concept" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a core principle or idea, as affirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in academic, scientific, and news media contexts, it serves to introduce and emphasize underlying elements critical for further comprehension. To ensure clarity, always specify the concept being referenced. Alternatives such as ""basic principle"" or "core idea" may be used depending on the context, but "foundational concept" often implies a structural role. When using this phrase, be sure to provide specific context to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Basic principle

Focuses on the idea of a starting point or core idea, which is less abstract than "foundational concept".

Core idea

Highlights the central aspect, omitting the structural implication of "foundational concept".

Fundamental principle

Emphasizes the underlying rules, similar to "foundational concept" but more focused on rules rather than ideas.

Underlying concept

Stresses what supports or precedes other ideas, slightly altering the emphasis of "foundational concept".

Key element

Focuses on a crucial part, differing from "foundational concept" by emphasizing importance rather than structure.

Essential idea

Highlights the necessity of the idea, shifting focus from its role as a base to its importance.

Central tenet

Emphasizes belief or doctrine, which makes it suitable in contexts where principles are considered beliefs more than just facts.

Cornerstone principle

Suggests a main component on which something depends, it's more metaphorical and less generic than "foundational concept".

Groundwork concept

Highlights initial stages or preparatory work, differing from the broad applicability of "foundational concept".

Rudimentary concept

Suggests something basic and undeveloped; while similar it implies less sophistication than "foundational concept".

FAQs

How can I effectively use "foundational concept" in a sentence?

Use "foundational concept" to introduce a core idea or principle upon which further arguments or concepts are built. For instance, "The "basic principle" of supply and demand is a foundational concept in economics".

What are some alternatives to "foundational concept"?

You can use alternatives like ""basic principle"", "core idea", or "fundamental principle" depending on the specific context.

How does "foundational concept" differ from ""basic principle""?

"Foundational concept" implies a structural role in supporting further ideas, while ""basic principle"" simply refers to a fundamental rule or guideline.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "foundational concept"?

"Foundational concept" is suitable in academic, scientific, and technical contexts where establishing a core understanding is crucial. It is applicable in any discussion in which it's necessary to establish a fundamental principle for an argument.