fundamentally good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamentally good" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is inherently positive or virtuous at its core, regardless of other factors. Example: "Despite the challenges we face, I believe that humanity is fundamentally good at heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The cosmos is fundamentally good, they affirm.

The Guardian - Opinion

"America is a fundamentally good country.

The Guardian

In other words, humanity is fundamentally good.

MIT Technology Review

And there are few foods that are so fundamentally good.

The New York Times - Food

Three stars, though, means they're fundamentally good games.

The Guardian - Tech

"These are companies that have fundamentally good businesses," she said.

The New York Times

Not perfect he says but "fundamentally good and ethical".

The Guardian - Business

They have convinced me that human nature is fundamentally good.

The New Yorker

Liberals believe that human nature is fundamentally good.

The Washington Post

But that people -- ordinary people are fundamentally good.

The Washington Post

" 'Natural' is for some people like God, a fundamentally good thing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fundamentally good" to emphasize the inherent virtue or positive essence of a subject, especially when contrasting with superficial or temporary flaws.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamentally good" in situations where a simpler term like "good" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamentally good" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to describe its inherent or underlying positive quality. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is often used to express that something is virtuous at its core, regardless of other factors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fundamentally good" is a phrase used to describe something with an inherent positive quality. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. It's considered grammatically sound and enjoys widespread use, particularly in news and media, where it often serves to reassure or affirm the underlying goodness of a subject. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse in simplistic contexts where "good" would suffice. Related phrases include "inherently good" and "essentially good", each offering slight nuances in meaning. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, you can effectively incorporate "fundamentally good" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inherently good

Focuses on the inherent nature of the goodness, suggesting it's an intrinsic quality.

intrinsically good

Similar to "inherently good", emphasizing the internal and essential nature of the goodness.

essentially good

Highlights the core, underlying goodness despite any superficial flaws or issues.

good to the core

Emphasizes that the goodness is the most important and central quality of something.

basically good

Implies a fundamental level of goodness, even if not perfect in every aspect.

at heart good

Emphasizes the goodness residing within someone's character or nature.

good in nature

Suggests an innate goodness as part of someone or something's inherent disposition.

virtuous at its core

Highlights the presence of virtue as a central, defining aspect.

genuinely good

Highlights the authenticity and sincerity of the goodness being described.

fundamentally sound

While sharing the "fundamentally" element, this phrase leans towards describing reliability or stability rather than moral goodness.

FAQs

How can I use "fundamentally good" in a sentence?

You can use "fundamentally good" to describe something that has an inherently positive nature, such as "Despite its flaws, the project was "fundamentally good"" or "He is a "fundamentally good" person."

What are some alternatives to "fundamentally good"?

Alternatives to "fundamentally good" include "inherently good", "intrinsically good", or "essentially good", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "fundamentally good"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say something is "fundamentally good". It is a common and accepted way to express that something has a basic or underlying positive quality.

What is the difference between "fundamentally good" and "genuinely good"?

"Fundamentally good" emphasizes the underlying or inherent goodness of something, while "genuinely good" highlights the authenticity and sincerity of its goodness. "Fundamentally good" implies a deep-rooted positive nature, whereas "genuinely good" focuses on its real and honest qualities.