fundamental thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamental thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a basic or essential aspect of a topic or situation. Example: "Understanding the fundamental thing about this theory is crucial for grasping its implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"The was the fundamental thing".

The Guardian

"That's a fundamental thing for Christians".

The New York Times

"It's a fundamental thing," he explained.

The Guardian

That's the fundamental thing: goals, goals, goals.

The Guardian - Sport

The fundamental thing is the family".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"That's the most basic, fundamental thing," he said.

The New York Times

"That for me is the fundamental thing for tomorrow".

Independent

So, for example, takedowns are the fundamental thing in wrestling.

The New York Times

"The fundamental thing is the quality," she said.

The New York Times

So that is a fundamental thing that will drive us toward efficiency.

The New York Times - Sports

And it did the most fundamental thing that food does — that is, nourish people".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fundamental thing" to introduce an essential concept or element that is critical for understanding a larger topic. For example, "The "fundamental thing" to remember when investing is to diversify your portfolio."

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental thing" in overly simple or obvious contexts. For example, instead of saying "Breathing is a "fundamental thing", " consider a more direct statement like "Breathing is essential for life."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental thing" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies or describes something of basic or essential importance. Ludwig provides numerous examples confirming this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fundamental thing" is a versatile noun phrase used to emphasize an essential aspect or principle in various contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across news, science, and formal settings. While acceptable in diverse registers, writers should avoid overuse in overly simplistic sentences and consider context-appropriate alternatives like "essential aspect" or "core element" for enhanced precision. The high frequency and presence in authoritative sources reinforce its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key element

Stresses the importance and significance of the element.

foundational concept

Highlights the concept that the entire system rests on.

essential aspect

Focuses on the necessity and importance of the aspect.

cornerstone

Emphasizes the foundational and indispensable nature.

core element

Highlights the central and intrinsic nature of the element.

central point

Highlights the main idea or focus.

basic component

Emphasizes the foundational and structural role of the component.

underlying principle

Highlights the foundational rule that influences thought or action.

primary concern

Focuses on the main issue or worry.

mainstay

Stresses something that is relied on heavily.

FAQs

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

You can use "fundamental thing" to highlight an essential aspect or principle. For example: "The "fundamental thing" about democracy is the right to vote."

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

Alternatives include "essential aspect", "core element", or "basic component" depending on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "fundamental thing" in formal writing?

Yes, "fundamental thing" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when emphasizing a crucial element. However, consider alternatives like "essential principle" for a more sophisticated tone.

What is the difference between "fundamental thing" and "important thing"?

"Fundamental thing" implies an essential, foundational element, while "important thing" simply means something of significance. The former carries a stronger sense of necessity.