fundamental to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'fundamental to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an essential component or requirement of something, or to something that is essential in order to understand or accomplish something else. For example, "A knowledge of physics is fundamental to understanding astronomy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's absolutely fundamental to us".

The New York Times

Strong professions are fundamental to economic development.

Independent

"Water is something fundamental to our existence".

The New Yorker

It is basic and fundamental to life.

Independent

It is fundamental to our national security.

The New York Times

This conception was fundamental to Leninist thought.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They're fundamental to the argument.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's fundamental to the marketing.

The Guardian

It's fundamental to our future".

The New York Times

This is fundamental to me.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is fundamental to our democracy".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fundamental to", ensure that the connection between the subject and what it is fundamental to is clear and direct. Avoid vague or indirect associations.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental to" when a simpler word like "important" or "necessary" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted.

How to use

Learn how to use "fundamental to" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental to" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its essential nature. It indicates that the subject is a basic and necessary element for something else. Ludwig AI examples show its use across a range of subjects to denote foundational importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fundamental to" denotes something essential or foundational. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While it's a useful phrase for emphasizing importance, remember to use it judiciously, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate. Alternatives such as "essential for", "critical to", or "key to" can sometimes provide a more concise and direct way to convey the same meaning. The phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential for

Emphasizes necessity, shifting focus from a foundational aspect to a required element.

vital for

Highlights the importance and necessity, suggesting something is indispensable.

critical for

Stresses the importance of something to the success or survival of something else.

key to

Indicates that something is an important factor in achieving a particular outcome.

integral to

Highlights that something is an essential part of a whole, unable to be removed without affecting the whole.

basic to

Focuses on the foundational or elementary nature of something.

central to

Indicates that something is the most important or has the most influence.

crucial to

Emphasizes the decisive importance of something.

indispensable to

Highlights the absolute necessity of something.

underlying to

Indicates that something forms the foundation on which something else is based.

FAQs

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

Use "fundamental to" to indicate that something is an essential component or basis for something else. For example, "Trust is fundamental to any successful relationship".

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

Depending on the context, alternatives to "fundamental to" include "essential for", "critical to", or "key to".

Is it correct to say "fundamental for" instead of "fundamental to"?

While "fundamental for" might occasionally appear, "fundamental to" is the more standard and widely accepted phrasing. It's always a good idea to prefer "fundamental to".

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

"Fundamental to" implies a foundational, essential relationship, whereas "important to" simply indicates significance. Something that is "fundamental to" something else is a necessary component, while something that is "important to" something else is valuable but not necessarily essential.