fundamental like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamental like" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you are comparing something to a fundamental concept or principle, but it is better to clarify the comparison. Example: "The principles of democracy are fundamental like the rights of individuals."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Another festivalgoer, Eleanor Shakespeare, tweeted: "How could something so fundamental like water and electrics not be functioning at this late stage?

The Guardian

I do not worry that this small half of a small island will upset the supply and demand balance of high end coffee, my worries are more fundamental, like getting all my farmers through the season in one piece.

The New York Times

"I'm not sure we're there yet — we're making really good progress — but I don't want to see that progress impeded somehow, with a ruling that makes people feel like they don't have control over something so fundamental like marriage," he said.

The New York Times

It could be fundamental like the original flavor easy-to-clone RFID chips, or it could be the guy next to you watching you type your password.

TechCrunch

First, they are non-univocal, since the second is paraphraseable roughly as promotes health and the third as is indicative of health, whereas the first means, rather, something more fundamental, like is sound of body or is functioning well.

SEP

It raises questions that range from the pragmatic - like how best to run British research ships - to the fundamental, like Britain's future ability to conduct polar science and its capacity to take a leading role in investigating some of the great environmental questions of our time.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The fundamental tree-like character of evolution is not derived from an observed tree-like pattern of classification.

Biology Direct

What about economic fundamentals like G.D.P. and corporate earnings growth?

The New York Times

Why not start with the fundamentals, like water?

The New York Times - Food

Merrill offers "boot camps," that explain fundamentals like mutual funds and dividends.

The New York Times

Check fundamentals like the date: does it clash with a competitor's event?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider rewording for clarity. While not grammatically incorrect, "fundamental like" can sometimes be improved by using more precise language to enhance readability.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental like" in highly formal writing. While understandable, it might be perceived as less sophisticated than alternatives such as "foundational to" or "essential for". Stick to neutral or informal registers where the slightly casual tone is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental like" functions as a comparative phrase. It aims to equate a subject with something that is considered a foundational or essential element. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is not standard in written English, suggesting that while understandable, more precise phrasing may be preferable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fundamental like" is used to draw a comparison, likening something to a basic or essential principle. While understandable, Ludwig AI suggests it is not standard English and may benefit from more precise phrasing, especially in formal contexts. Its usage appears more frequently in news and media, and science-related content, suggesting a neutral to informal register. For clearer and more formal communication, consider alternatives such as "basic as" or "essential as".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundational as

Highlights the role of something as a base or support.

essential as

Focuses on the necessity and importance of something.

basic as

This emphasizes the simplicity and foundational nature of something.

underlying like

Refers to something that forms the basis or foundation.

elementary like

Indicates something is at a basic or introductory level.

core to

Emphasizes that something is central and vital.

intrinsic like

Suggests something is inherent and essential to its nature.

inherent like

Suggests that something is naturally part of something else.

at the heart of

Highlights something as the most important or essential part.

rudimentary like

Implies a basic or undeveloped state.

FAQs

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

Use "fundamental like" to draw a comparison between something and a basic, underlying principle or concept. For example, "Honesty is fundamental like the air we breathe for healthy relationships."

What are some alternatives to "fundamental like"?

You can use alternatives such as "basic as", "essential as", or "foundational as" depending on the specific context.

Is "fundamental like" grammatically correct?

While not considered standard English, "fundamental like" is understandable and used in certain contexts. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "fundamental like" and "basic as"?

"Fundamental like" directly compares something to a fundamental principle, while "basic as" emphasizes the simplicity of something. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the foundational aspect or the simplicity.