fundamental idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"fundamental idea" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to the central or most important concept or principle in a sentence or paragraph. You can use "fundamental idea" when discussing a topic or summarizing the main point of a piece of writing. For example: - "The fundamental idea behind democracy is that the power resides in the hands of the people." - "The fundamental idea of this book is to challenge societal norms and redefine beauty." - "The author's fundamental idea is that love and forgiveness are key to overcoming conflicts and achieving peace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

She says the fundamental idea is to make it enjoyable for the students to learn science.

Independent

One must go back to borrowing (and lending) for a comparably fundamental idea.

The Economist

That's really the fundamental idea about existentialism, put in a very bleak context.

The Guardian - Books

He warns that Mr Modi promotes the "fundamental" idea that India must be a predominantly Hindu country.

The Economist

The fundamental idea of Christian Science is that material existence is an illusion; the world is entirely spirit.

The New Yorker

You've hit upon a fundamental idea that is crucial to helping this cause (seismic safety of new and existing buildings).

The New York Times

Its fundamental idea is that of the continuous progress of the human race to an ultimate perfection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nor is it obvious that the fundamental idea of explaining through making the phenomena expectable can be sustained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fundamental idea at the heart of data protection law jars particularly with US-style notions of free speech.

The Guardian - Tech

The fundamental idea that the world is getting hotter due to human activity is not seriously disputed, however.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Figure 1 Fundamental idea of OSH and margin.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fundamental idea", ensure the context clearly establishes the subject matter. This helps the reader grasp the significance and relevance of the idea being presented.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental idea" as a generic placeholder. Always provide specific details to illustrate the idea, ensuring the reader understands its application and importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental idea" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a core concept or principle that is essential for understanding a particular subject or argument. Ludwig demonstrates its use in diverse contexts ranging from science to news and media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fundamental idea" is a widely used noun phrase that denotes a core concept or principle. As evidenced by Ludwig, it appears frequently in various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, reflecting its versatility in conveying essential concepts. The analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and neutral-to-formal register. When using "fundamental idea", ensure sufficient context is provided to avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "core concept" or "basic principle" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core concept

Focuses on the central concept, implying a key element within a broader subject.

basic principle

Emphasizes the foundational rule or guideline that underlies a system or theory.

key concept

Highlights the importance of a specific idea as being essential or crucial.

underlying principle

Stresses the foundational rule or law upon which something is based.

central theme

Refers to the unifying idea or subject that recurs throughout a work or discussion.

primary notion

Highlights the main thought or belief about something.

root concept

Emphasizes the origin or source from which an idea or theory develops.

foundational concept

Stresses the role of the idea as a base or support for further development.

overarching theme

Describes a prevalent and encompassing idea that connects various elements.

essential element

Highlights the crucial aspect necessary for completeness or proper functioning.

FAQs

How can I use "fundamental idea" in a sentence?

Use "fundamental idea" to introduce a basic concept or principle that is essential to understanding a subject. For example, "The "fundamental idea" of calculus is the concept of limits".

What's a good alternative to "fundamental idea"?

Alternatives include "core concept", "basic principle", or "key concept", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "basic fundamental idea"?

Yes, "basic fundamental idea" can be redundant. "Fundamental" already implies something basic or foundational, so using just ""fundamental idea"" is usually sufficient.

How does "fundamental idea" differ from "theory"?

A ""fundamental idea"" is a basic concept or principle, while a "theory" is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that can incorporate facts, laws, inferences, and tested hypotheses.