fundamental

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "fundamental" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the importance of something, or to refer to something that is essential and necessary. For example: "It is fundamental that all students learn the basics of mathematics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

MPs and peers laughed as Merkel, who recalled her first visit to London in the spring of 1990 shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, said those expecting a "fundamental reform of the European architecture" in Britain's direction would be disappointed.

The Guardian

Supposedly, or so I have heard, some expect my speech to pave the way for a fundamental reform of the European architecture, which will satisfy all kinds of alleged or actual British wishes.

The Guardian

"To hold it in a context where some basic fundamental rights are markedly absent, indeed, denied to the population, is to commit a travesty".

The New York Times

Writing days before Abdullah's death, the American author Stephen Kinzer warned that the basis of the west's relationship with the Saudi regime was shifting in fundamental ways, while Saudi Arabia's position in a region beset by insurrection and civil war was ever less secure.

The Guardian

But it will be one strong strand in any argument to counter the really fundamental question of the pre-election period – whether a coalition produces the worst of all possible worlds.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a more fundamental difference over what to discuss and what kind of agreement will stabilise Greek finances and provide the best long term solution for the currency union.

The Guardian

It has always been tricky for Messrs Cameron and Clegg to present themselves as united in an endeavour to put the country right while at the same advertising their differences in order to reassure the blue and yellow tribes that they are not betraying their respective party's fundamental beliefs.

The Guardian - Opinion

You say I have 'pared down our liberty at an astonishing rate', then list a whole lot of fundamental rights, as if these had all been drastically curtailed.

The Guardian - Opinion

While her and her father's book addresses the individual necessity and pursuit of forgiveness, Mpho says it is also a fundamental part of the future of South Africa, the country she still lives in, and said there are still palpable resentments that need to be addressed.

The Guardian

The European convention on human rights and fundamental freedoms (to give it its full title), as scheduled in the Human Rights Act 1998, is an outcrop of the international law of human rights, and is not, other than remotely, derived from the ancient event of our constitutional history at Runnymede 800 years ago.

The Guardian

"We also call on the European Union to take a strong stance on the continuing violation in Belarus of fundamental human rights".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fundamental" to emphasize the importance or necessity of a concept, principle, or component. For example, "Understanding the company's core values is fundamental to success."

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental" when "important" or "significant" would be more appropriate. "Fundamental" implies a foundational or essential quality, not just general importance.

Linguistic Context

The word "fundamental" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to denote something essential, foundational, or of central importance. Ludwig AI highlights its use in describing principles, rights, and aspects that are crucial to a particular context. Examples show it defining the core elements of systems or beliefs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

15%

Opinion

7%

Tech

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "fundamental" is an adjective denoting something essential, foundational, or of central importance. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct and it's very commonly used, primarily in "News & Media", "Wiki", and "Science" contexts. When using "fundamental", remember to emphasize the importance or necessity of the concept, but avoid overuse in place of simpler terms like "important". Related phrases include "essential", "foundational", and "basic", which can be used depending on the specific context. In essence, "fundamental" is a versatile term for highlighting core elements and principles across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundational

Emphasizes the role of establishing a firm base or groundwork.

essential

Highlights the necessity and indispensability of something.

basic

Refers to the elementary or initial stage of something.

primary

Indicates the highest importance or rank.

key

Suggests something is crucial or pivotal to a particular outcome.

underlying

Focuses on the base or the root cause of an issue.

central

Highlights the centrality or core importance of something.

critical

Emphasizes the high importance and potential consequences.

indispensable

Stresses that something is absolutely necessary and cannot be done without.

elementary

Focuses on the simplicity and basic nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "fundamental" in a sentence?

Use "fundamental" to describe something that is an essential or foundational element. For example, "Honesty is a "fundamental" principle of ethical behavior".

What can I say instead of "fundamental"?

You can use alternatives like "essential", "foundational", or "basic" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "fundamental" or "fundemental"?

"Fundamental" is the correct spelling. "Fundemental" is a misspelling.

What's the difference between "fundamental" and "basic"?

While both refer to something essential, "fundamental" often implies a more foundational or inherent quality, whereas "basic" refers to the elementary or starting point.