fundamental subject

USAGE SUMMARY

"fundamental subject" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most often used to describe a basic topic of discussion or study. For example, "We were discussing the fundamental subject of our project: finding a solution to global poverty."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

His fundamental subject is social systems, and now ecosystems.

The New York Times - Arts

We now have an economics profession that hardly ever discusses its fundamental subject, "capitalism".

The New York Times

For Maysles and his brother, David Maysles, who worked together to make documentaries for decades to come, performance became their fundamental subject.

The New Yorker

The academy selected science as their specialism for a variety of reasons: it fitted the immediate location, was a fundamental subject in the curriculum and offered the opportunity to promote sustainability.

The Guardian

His fundamental subject is the bourgeoisie and the way that new methods of communication — mainly the mass media, but also the abstractions of high-tech industry, architecture, music, politics, and even fashion — have a feedback effect on the educated, white-collar thinkers who create them.

The New Yorker

The MI represents a fundamental subject in the theory of nonlinear waves.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Adherence to the old notion of a liberal education, with a small number of courses covering fundamental subjects and with much commonality among the programs taken by different students, might have provided a basis for resistance to the fragmentation of the student body described by Mr. Levine.

The New York Times

In the Categories, individual substances (a man, a horse) were treated as fundamental subjects of predication.

SEP

One of the fundamental subjects in dynamic systems is the boundary value problem.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Basic computer programming is one of the fundamental subjects that students in the departments of computer engineering, computer science, software engineering, information technology, and computer business need to learn.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

We pass through a tunnel created between a wall of plastic, stretched from floor to ceiling, and two walls bearing infinitely complex paintings of impossibly fundamental subjects: shirts.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fundamental subject", ensure it aligns with the context, such as academic discussions, scientific research, or foundational concepts in any field. For instance, use it when referring to basic principles in a course or essential topics in a debate.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental subject" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it may sound overly formal or academic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "main topic" or "key issue" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental subject" typically functions as a noun phrase, where 'fundamental' modifies 'subject'. It describes a core or foundational topic within a specific field or area of study. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fundamental subject" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a core or foundational topic. According to Ludwig AI, it's frequently used in science, news, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for formal and academic settings, avoiding overuse in casual conversations. Alternatives like "core subject" or "essential topic" can offer more nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Recognizing its formal register and applying it appropriately ensures clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core subject

Replaces "fundamental" with "core", emphasizing centrality and importance.

essential topic

Substitutes both words to highlight necessity and the theme of discussion.

basic subject matter

Replaces "fundamental" with "basic" and "subject" with "subject matter", implying a foundational element.

primary area of study

Replaces "subject" with "area of study", focusing on the academic domain.

key subject

Replaces "fundamental" with "key", denoting significance.

foundational topic

Replaces "fundamental" with "foundational", stressing the idea of being a base for something else.

central theme

Changes both words to highlight the main idea or concept.

crucial area

Replaces both words, accentuating the critical aspect of a field.

major subject

Replaces fundamental with major, implying a subject of great importance or size.

principal topic

Changes "fundamental" to "principal", stressing main or leading aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "fundamental subject" to refer to a core concept or area of study. For example, "The professor emphasized the importance of understanding the "fundamental subject" of thermodynamics in engineering."

What are some alternatives to "fundamental subject"?

Alternatives include "core subject", "essential topic", or "basic subject matter", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "fundamental subject" too formal for everyday conversations?

Yes, "fundamental subject" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. In such cases, consider using simpler alternatives like "main topic" or "key issue".

What distinguishes "fundamental subject" from "important subject"?

"Fundamental subject" implies a foundational or essential aspect, whereas "important subject" simply denotes significance. A "fundamental subject" is crucial for understanding related concepts, while an important subject may be relevant but not necessarily foundational.