fundamental ingredient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamental ingredient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an essential component or element that is necessary for something to function or exist properly. Example: "Trust is a fundamental ingredient in any successful relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Red Squill is a fundamental ingredient of rat poison, & rat poison is required by Army camps.

The New Yorker

Although she chose the second, her solid classical training remains a fundamental ingredient of her musicianship.

The New York Times - Arts

Others suspect we are missing a fundamental ingredient that gives rise to the conscious mind.

The Guardian

A mission that inspires belief is a fundamental ingredient for today's businesses.

The Times

Computing or estimating link blocking probabilities is a fundamental ingredient in network design and engineering.

Computers & Operations Research

The fundamental ingredient that Mr. Wainwright adds is confidence, not won over years of struggle, but granted as a birthright.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

The fundamental ingredients of the chow diet and fresh rice.

Nature

This highlights the two fundamental ingredients for his result.

Journal of Public Economics

Charity, integrity, decency, courtesy, and clean living are the fundamental ingredients of the Mormon personality.

The New Yorker

This, his latest book, is an astonishingly comprehensive survey of nature's fundamental ingredients, but it is no mere recapitulation of the periodic table.

The New York Times - Science

Riemann argued that the fundamental ingredients for geometry are a space of points (called today a manifold) and a way of measuring distances along curves in the space.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fundamental ingredient", ensure it's followed by a "of" phrase specifying what it is fundamental to. For example, "Honesty is a fundamental ingredient of trust".

Common error

While "fundamental ingredient" is a strong phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "essential component" or "key element" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental ingredient" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig examples show, it identifies a crucial element or component necessary for something's existence or success.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fundamental ingredient" is a noun phrase used to highlight the essential nature of a component or element. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in scientific and news contexts. While alternatives like "essential component" and "key element" exist, "fundamental ingredient" emphasizes the foundational importance. Be mindful of overuse and ensure it's followed by an "of" phrase. The high frequency and authoritative sources utilizing this phrase underscore its significance in formal and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential component

Focuses on the part something plays in a wider system. Changes the word choice to be more specific.

key element

Emphasizes the element's importance. Changes the word choice to be more concise.

core component

Highlights the element's centrality. Changes the word choice and is more technical.

basic element

Focuses on the foundational nature. Changes the word choice to be more simple.

essential part

Stresses that the component is vital. Changes the word choice to be more direct.

critical factor

Emphasizes the element's importance to success. Changes the word choice and is goal-oriented.

vital aspect

Highlights the element's life-sustaining role. Changes the word choice to be more broad.

primary constituent

Highlights the element's role as a component. Changes the word choice and is more formal.

indispensable element

Highlights the element's irreplacability. Changes the word choice to be more emphatic.

cornerstone

Implies foundational support and stability. It is more metaphorical.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "fundamental ingredient"?

You can use alternatives like "essential component", "key element", or "core component" depending on the context.

How do I use "fundamental ingredient" in a sentence?

The phrase "fundamental ingredient" is typically followed by "of" and the thing it's essential to. For example: "Communication is a fundamental ingredient of a successful relationship."

Is it correct to say "a ingredient fundamental"?

No, the correct order is "fundamental ingredient". The adjective "fundamental" precedes the noun "ingredient".

What is the difference between "fundamental ingredient" and "basic ingredient"?

"Fundamental ingredient" implies something is essential and foundational, while "basic ingredient" simply means it's a standard or necessary component. "Fundamental ingredient" carries a stronger sense of importance.