fundamental source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamental source" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a primary or essential origin of information, ideas, or resources in various contexts, such as academic writing or discussions about theories. Example: "The fundamental source of the theory can be traced back to early philosophical texts that laid the groundwork for modern thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the fundamental source of resentment – the siege – continues.

Independent

Conservative and liberal economists agree that new ideas are the fundamental source of higher living standards.

The New York Times

Financial crises "are all different, but they have one fundamental source," he explained.

The Guardian - Business

There is, therefore, another, and perhaps more fundamental, source for our sense of vehicular entitlement: egocentricity.

The New Yorker

The fundamental source of long-run deficits is rising health-care expenditures.

The Economist

Land, which initially served only individual needs, came to be the fundamental source of economic enterprise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the fundamental source of the crisis, and of the banks' troubles, was the orgy of irresponsible lending.

The New Yorker

Internship ReprintsBut the fundamental source of strain on the multilateral system is the shifting economic balance of power.

The Economist

The Italian author Luigi Barzini once wrote that in Italy, the family is the fundamental source of power: "It extracts everybody's first loyalty.

The New York Times

The risk is that we will frame trade as a fundamental source of suffering and losses, which would make voters more nervous, not less.

The New York Times

How is it that the fundamental source of so much human suffering is so often ignored by those who study its repercussions?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fundamental source", ensure the context clearly establishes what derives from that source to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'Technology is a fundamental source', specify 'Technology is a fundamental source of innovation'.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental source" in situations where a simpler term like "source" or "origin" would suffice. Overusing the adjective "fundamental" can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. Consider the impact and add it only if needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental source" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the primary origin or basis of something, as exemplified by Ludwig's provided sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fundamental source" is a versatile term used to denote a primary and essential origin, as Ludwig's analysis confirms. Its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse fields—including news, science, and encyclopedias—demonstrate its broad applicability. While alternatives like "primary source" or "basic source" exist, "fundamental source" specifically emphasizes the foundational importance of the origin. Therefore, it is advisable to use it carefully to enhance clarity and impact, and avoid overuse to maintain writing conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary source

Focuses on the idea of being the first or most important source.

basic source

Highlights the essential and foundational nature of the source.

essential source

Emphasizes the necessity and importance of the source.

underlying source

Indicates the source that forms the basis or foundation.

root cause

Shifts the focus to a cause rather than a general source.

key origin

Highlights the crucial origin or starting point.

mainspring

Implies a source that initiates or drives something.

core origin

Emphasizes the central and most important origin.

initial basis

Focuses on the starting point or foundation.

foundational element

Highlights that this is an element of the overall foundation.

FAQs

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

You can use "fundamental source" to indicate the primary origin or basis of something. For instance, "Education is a "fundamental source" of social progress" or "The sun is the "fundamental source" of energy for Earth".

What's a more concise alternative to "fundamental source"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "primary source", "main origin", or simply "source" to convey a similar meaning with fewer words.

Is there a difference between "fundamental source" and "primary source"?

While both terms refer to origins, ""fundamental source"" emphasizes the essential or foundational nature of the origin, whereas "primary source" often refers to the original source of information or evidence.

When is it appropriate to use the term "fundamental source" over other similar phrases?

Use "fundamental source" when you want to emphasize that something is not just a source, but a core, essential, and foundational origin. For example, when discussing deeply rooted causes or origins with significant impact.