fundamental text

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamental text" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a primary or essential piece of writing that serves as a basis for a particular subject or field of study. Example: "The Constitution is often considered a fundamental text in the study of American law and governance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He smiled at her response; he explained that it was a fundamental text and that it was necessary to learn it.

The New Yorker

But taken together, they are a fundamental text for anyone who wishes to understand bourgeois culture in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Guardian - Books

He was the first to compare the Sefer ha-Zohar, the fundamental text of the Kabbalists, with the Hebrew texts of the 13th-century mystic Moses de León.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It has been credited as the fundamental text upon which most modern dystopias are based, chief among them being George Orwell's (1949).

Britannica

The oldest document in the literature of South Asia is the Rigveda, or Veda of the Stanzas (c. 1400 bc), the fundamental text of Brahminical Hinduism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The analysis of those fellowships, published in Nature in 1997, is the fundamental text of the gender-bias movement, cited over and over at conferences, in papers and in lobbying materials.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Both men stressed their commitment to the fundamental texts and beliefs of Islam.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was little discussion, either, of the fundamental texts of Islam.

The Guardian

And if you want a sweeping philosophy, deeply grounded in fundamental texts (Hayek, von Mises, Rothbard), Paul is your man.

The New Yorker

Holland came to his work on Islam unencumbered by any prior acquaintance with its fundamental texts or the scholarly literature.

The Guardian - Books

(3) More focused criticism came from the Christian humanists, an influential group of scholars bent on restoring the fundamental texts of Western Christianity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, use "fundamental text" to highlight the core readings required for a subject.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase “fundamental text” in casual conversations or informal writing. It is more appropriate for academic, legal, or formal contexts. Use simpler terms like “key reading” or “main source” in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental text" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a text as being essential or foundational to a particular subject or field. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fundamental text" refers to a primary or essential piece of writing that serves as a basis for a particular subject or field of study. Ludwig AI analysis reveals it is grammatically correct but uncommon. It is most appropriately used in formal contexts such as academic, legal, or scientific writing. Synonyms include "essential text", "foundational text", and "core text". While grammatically correct, using it in informal settings may sound overly formal. Top sources employing the phrase include Encyclopedia Britannica, The New York Times, and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential text

Emphasizes the necessity and importance of the text.

foundational text

Highlights the text's role as a base or starting point.

core text

Focuses on the text being central or the most important.

basic text

Stresses the simplicity and elemental nature of the text.

seminal text

Highlights the text's influence and impact on a field.

pivotal text

Indicates the text is crucial or a turning point.

key text

Emphasizes the text's importance as a means of gaining access or understanding.

primary text

Highlights the text's role as the most important or original source.

leading text

Suggests the text is at the forefront of a particular area.

critical text

Implies the text is indispensable for analysis or understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "fundamental text" to refer to a text that is essential or foundational to a particular subject or field. For example: "The Constitution is a "fundamental text" in American law."

What are some synonyms for "fundamental text"?

Alternatives include "essential text", "foundational text", "core text", and "seminal text". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "fundamental text" formal or informal?

"Fundamental text" leans toward a formal register, suitable for academic papers, legal documents, and serious discussions. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "main reading" may be preferable.

Which is correct, "fundamental text" or "basic text"?

Both "fundamental text" and "basic text" are grammatically correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "Fundamental text" suggests a foundational importance, while "basic text" implies simplicity and elementariness. The better choice depends on the intended meaning.