fundamental issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamental issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an issue or problem which is considered to be of great importance. For example: "The fundamental issue of poverty in the developing world needs to be addressed by governments and international organizations alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's the fundamental issue".

The New York Times

One fundamental issue is property rights.

The Economist

But size is not the fundamental issue.

The New York Times

"That's the more fundamental issue".

The New York Times

It is a fundamental issue".

The Guardian

Low pay remains a fundamental issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

And this underscores another fundamental issue.

The New York Times

This skirts the more fundamental issue.

The New York Times

There is a second, more fundamental issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then there's the fundamental issue of funding and organizational support.

The New York Times

That's the fundamental issue with drop-ship: inventory management.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fundamental issue", ensure that you've clearly identified the core problem and can articulate its importance in the context you're discussing. This phrase carries weight, so use it when the issue truly is foundational.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental issue" to describe problems that are merely inconvenient or secondary. Reserve it for matters that genuinely affect the core principles or outcomes of a situation. Using it too liberally dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or direct object of a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, this construction introduces and emphasizes a core problem or essential aspect of a given situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fundamental issue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a core problem or essential consideration. As Ludwig confirms, it's widely accepted in written English and suitable for formal communication. It appears most often in news and media, science, and business contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider using "core problem" or "key concern". When using "fundamental issue", ensure that you've correctly identified the root of the problem and avoid overusing the phrase for minor concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main problem

This alternative is a simple and direct way to refer to the most important issue.

core problem

This alternative focuses on the central difficulty or challenge.

underlying issue

This alternative emphasizes the issue existing beneath the surface.

key concern

This alternative highlights the main source of worry or importance.

basic question

This alternative emphasizes the elementary or foundational nature of the issue.

central question

This alternative emphasizes the main inquiry or point of investigation.

critical point

This alternative highlights the decisive or vital element.

primary challenge

This alternative underscores the major obstacle or difficulty.

essential aspect

This alternative focuses on the crucial or necessary element.

chief difficulty

This alternative stresses the principal hardship or struggle.

FAQs

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

You can use "fundamental issue" to introduce a core problem or essential consideration, such as, "The "fundamental issue" is the lack of funding for the project".

What are some alternatives to "fundamental issue"?

Alternatives include "core problem", "key concern", or "central question", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "core fundamental issue"?

Yes, saying "core fundamental issue" is often redundant because "fundamental" already implies that it's a central or core issue. Sticking to just ""fundamental issue"" is clearer and more concise.

What's the difference between "fundamental issue" and "important issue"?

"Fundamental issue" suggests a foundational problem that underlies other issues, while "important issue" simply means something that is significant or worthy of attention. The "fundamental issue" often has broader implications.