fundamental argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamental argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the main point or reasoning behind a particular stance or theory in an academic or analytical context. Example: "The fundamental argument of the paper is that climate change is primarily driven by human activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Her fundamental argument is simple.

The New York Times - Books

The fundamental argument now is that he is illegitimate.

The New York Times

People who wanted to see it upheld, do.You can express the fundamental argument here several ways.

The Economist

Wise's fundamental argument is thus that chimpanzees and bonobos have "consciousness" or "mind".

The New York Times - Books

He is the author of "The Fundamental Argument for Same-Sex Marriage" (Journal of Political Philosophy 1999).

The New York Times

Amy's fundamental argument is that it doesn't, and he has found several influential members of the racing community who agree.

The New York Times - Sports

He said: "There is a fundamental argument here about the right of a country to decide its future.

The Guardian

Ian Pexton, 45, London: The basic principle of democracy must be paramount Sovereignty is the fundamental argument here.

The Guardian - Opinion

Galileo regarded their existence as a fundamental argument in favour of the Copernican model of the solar system, in which the planets orbit the Sun.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lawrence returned to the government's fundamental argument that the most important goal was to keep immigrant families together, and that Hutto had succeeded in that goal.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Fundamental arguments and real choices, urgent and necessary, are excluded from the discussion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fundamental argument" to introduce the most critical and non-negotiable point in your reasoning. This clarifies your position and guides your audience's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental argument" for points that are already widely accepted or self-evident. Reserve it for the core, often contested, reasoning that truly anchors your perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental argument" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the core, underlying reasoning or claim in a discussion or debate. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fundamental argument" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that identifies the core reasoning in a discussion. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and widespread usage across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While its register is neutral, its effectiveness lies in its ability to highlight the most important points and anchor a perspective. When using this phrase, ensure that the argument is well-supported and clearly articulated to establish a strong foundation. Considering these aspects, "fundamental argument" stands as a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core argument

Focuses on the argument's central and indispensable nature.

central argument

Highlights that the argument is the focal point of the discussion.

main argument

Emphasizes the argument's primary importance.

key argument

Stresses the argument's significance and importance.

basic argument

Indicates the argument's elementary and foundational nature.

underlying argument

Suggests the argument is the basis upon which further points are built.

primary contention

Replaces "argument" with "contention", emphasizing a point of disagreement or debate.

foundational premise

Replaces "argument" with "premise", highlighting the underlying assumption on which a conclusion is based.

essential reasoning

Focuses on the indispensable logic behind a claim.

principal claim

Emphasizes the argument as a formal declaration or assertion.

FAQs

How can I effectively introduce a "fundamental argument" in my writing?

Start by clearly stating the core issue and then presenting your "fundamental argument" as the most critical point of contention or support. Use phrases like "The fundamental argument is that..." to signal its importance.

What are some alternatives to "fundamental argument" that I can use to add variety to my writing?

You can use alternatives like "core argument", "central argument", or "main argument" to express a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "fundamental argument" in informal writing?

While "fundamental argument" is suitable for formal contexts, consider using simpler terms like "main point" or "basic idea" in informal settings for better clarity and tone.

What distinguishes a "fundamental argument" from a secondary argument?

A "fundamental argument" is the most essential and foundational claim supporting your position, whereas secondary arguments provide additional support or nuances but are not as critical to the overall case.