fundamental law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamental law" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the basic laws that form the basis of a system or organization, such as a Constitution. For example: "The Bill of Rights is a fundamental law of the United States of America."

✓ Grammatically correct

Law

Politics

Philosophy

Physics

Economics

Finance

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Every fundamental law has exceptions.

The New York Times - Magazine

Edison understood a fundamental law of creativity: innovation is social.

The Economist

But that's not a matter of fundamental law.

The New Yorker

It is based on the fundamental law of electrical networks.

Electric Power Systems Research

Does this defy the most fundamental law of physics?

Cornell University

And it is not a fundamental law of economics.

Cornell University

It's as close as we get to a fundamental law in finance.

The New York Times

But he is quoted in the article as saying, "Every fundamental law has exceptions".

The New York Times - Magazine

America's fundamental law holds competing elements, some constraining the national government, others energizing it.

The New York Times

Find one single, verifiable exception to a fundamental law, and it is destroyed!

The New York Times - Magazine

They are putting themselves on the wrong side of the most fundamental law of the land.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or constitutional matters, ensure that "fundamental law" accurately reflects the core principles at stake. It is particularly useful when emphasizing the foundational nature of a legal provision.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental law" loosely in non-legal contexts where a simple "basic principle" or "core concept" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental law" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a foundational principle or rule, often within legal, ethical, or scientific contexts. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fundamental law" is a noun phrase that denotes a foundational principle or rule, particularly within legal, ethical, or scientific frameworks. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound and commonly accepted. While highly versatile, the phrase is most frequently used in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a tendency towards formal and authoritative discourse. Related phrases include "basic principle", "core tenet", and "foundational rule". When using "fundamental law", it's important to ensure that the context aligns with its formal tone and that it accurately represents a principle considered foundational to a system. Be cautious of overuse in informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic principle

Focuses on the underlying tenet rather than the codified or formally recognized rule.

core tenet

Highlights the central belief or doctrine that forms the foundation of a system.

foundational rule

Emphasizes the role of the rule as a basis for further development or reasoning.

underlying principle

Stresses the hidden or less obvious nature of the principle.

governing principle

Implies that the principle actively directs or controls a process or system.

constitutional law

Specifically refers to laws outlined in a constitution, offering a legalistic perspective.

law of nature

Refers specifically to scientific principles that govern the natural world.

cardinal rule

Highlights the importance of the rule as one that cannot be broken or ignored.

prime directive

Implies a mandatory guiding instruction or policy, often used in a formal or strategic context.

supreme law

Denotes the highest authority in a legal system, often associated with constitutional matters.

FAQs

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

You can use "fundamental law" to refer to the basic principles or rules that govern a system. For example, "The right to free speech is a "fundamental law" in many democracies".

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

"Fundamental law" typically refers to a codified or formally recognized rule, often in a legal or constitutional context, whereas "basic principle" is a broader term that can apply to any underlying concept or guideline.

Which is correct, "fundamental law" or "constitutional law"?

Both phrases are correct but have different meanings. "Fundamental law" can refer to any basic and essential law, while "constitutional law" specifically refers to laws derived from a constitution.

What can I say instead of "fundamental law"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "basic principle", "core tenet", or "foundational rule".