fundamental thesis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamental thesis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the main argument or central idea of a piece of writing, particularly in academic or analytical contexts. Example: "The fundamental thesis of her dissertation argues that climate change is primarily driven by human activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Mr. Ackman's fundamental thesis is that Herbalife is a pyramid scheme.

The New York Times

His fundamental thesis, however, concerns the seeming intractability of human nature and the failings of the "melioristic" liberal construct to handle this.

The Guardian

First by law, and then by regulation, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were systematically forced to increase their purchase of subprime loans to 56% of their holdings.The fundamental thesis of your article is that mathematical models failed.

The Economist

You could call it the Government 2.0 approach, and its fundamental thesis is that the biggest question is not how much to spend and how much to tax, it is how to adapt the state to the information age.

The New York Times

Frum's fundamental thesis is that Republicans must move beyond the policies and ideology not only of the Bush years but of the past three decades, even if this means repudiating some of the political axioms that brought it to power under Ronald Reagan in 1980.

The New York Times - Books

The realization of the need to target individuals resulted in the fundamental thesis surrounding Immediately, branding.  .

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Six fundamental theses of this philosophy can be distinguished.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One of the fundamental theses of Leibniz's philosophy is that each substance expresses the entire universe.

SEP

The metaphysical convictions at the basis of his philosophy are an original version of the most fundamental theses of Duns Scotus (viz.

SEP

Already in the mid-1760s — for example, in On Diligence in Several Learned Languages (1764) and the Fragments (1767-8) — Herder began advancing three fundamental theses in this area: (1) Thought is essentially dependent on, and bounded in scope by, language — i.e. one can only think if one has a language, and one can only think what one can express linguistically.

SEP

Piketty's central thesis is so provocative because it contradicts the fundamental beliefs that have enabled capitalism to become the dominant economic system of the last century.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fundamental thesis", ensure it accurately represents the core argument or proposition of the work you are discussing. Clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid labeling a supporting argument as the "fundamental thesis". The fundamental thesis should be the overarching claim, not a detail within it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental thesis" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the primary argument or central idea of a study, theory, or piece of writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

9%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fundamental thesis" is a common and correct phrase used to denote the core argument or main idea, primarily in formal and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its validity for written English. While alternatives like "core argument" or "central idea" exist, "fundamental thesis" maintains a specific emphasis on the foundational aspect of the proposition. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately represents the overarching claim, avoiding confusion with secondary or supporting arguments. The term appears frequently in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedia sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

central argument

Focuses on the main point being argued, omitting the 'thesis' aspect.

core argument

Highlights the essential nature of the argument, simplifying the phrase.

main contention

Replaces 'thesis' with 'contention', emphasizing a point of debate.

basic premise

Shifts from 'thesis' to 'premise', focusing on the foundational assumption.

underlying principle

Emphasizes the foundational nature, moving away from the argumentative aspect.

foundational concept

Focuses on the conceptual basis rather than a specific argument.

key idea

Simplifies the phrase to its most basic element, the central idea.

primary assumption

Highlights the assumptive nature, rather than the argumentative presentation.

essential proposition

Uses 'proposition' to refer to the core statement, adding formality.

groundwork theory

Suggests the idea is a new and foundational theory.

FAQs

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

You can use "fundamental thesis" to introduce the core argument of a work, such as: "The "fundamental thesis" of this book is that technology enhances human connection."

What's a good alternative to "fundamental thesis"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives like "core argument", "central idea", or "basic premise".

Is "fundamental thesis" formal or informal?

"Fundamental thesis" leans towards a more formal register, suitable for academic or professional contexts. For informal settings, simpler terms might be more appropriate.

What makes a thesis "fundamental"?

A "fundamental" thesis is the most important, underlying argument or proposition. It's the core idea upon which other arguments or points are based.