fundamentally guilty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamentally guilty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is inherently or essentially at fault or responsible for a wrongdoing. Example: "After reviewing all the evidence, it became clear that he was fundamentally guilty of the charges against him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And you're smoking and sitting there working your way backwards through every wrong you've ever done, and you will believe that you deserve to feel this terrible, this wretched, this fundamentally guilty.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's not that we can't bear this result, but that fundamentally, the guilty conviction is illegal, is unreasonable and unfair".

The Guardian

I fundamentally object to the phrase "guilty pleasure".

Independent

But "no less sad than the plotline of Madame Bovary or Hamlet – and, let's argue, the character of the doctor is not fundamentally any worse; Hamlet is, after all, a murderer, and Emma Bovary is guilty of extreme child cruelty".

The Guardian - Books

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said the CQC was "fundamentally flawed" when it was set up four years ago and there should be "very, very serious consequences" for anyone found guilty of a cover-up.

BBC

Not fundamentally.

The Guardian - Business

"We have no idea if they're guilty or not guilty but we judge them on whether they look right or whether we think their behaviour is fundamentally wrong.

The Guardian - Books

It felt fundamentally wrong.

Independent

"That's fundamentally flawed".

The New York Times

We're fundamentally hampered".

The New York Times

That feels fundamentally broken".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fundamentally guilty" when you want to emphasize that the guilt is not superficial but deeply ingrained or intrinsic to the situation or person.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamentally guilty" in situations where a lighter or more nuanced expression of fault would be more appropriate. This phrase carries a strong connotation of inherent and deep-seated culpability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamentally guilty" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun (either explicitly stated or implied), indicating that the subject is inherently or deeply culpable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fundamentally guilty" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey a sense of deep, inherent culpability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase, while not very common, is appropriately used to describe a subject that is intrinsically at fault, especially in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "inherently culpable" or "essentially responsible" exist, "fundamentally guilty" carries a specific emphasis on the deep-seated nature of the guilt. However, it's important to avoid overuse in lighter contexts, as the phrase bears a serious and weighty connotation. Proper use of "fundamentally guilty" can powerfully communicate a strong judgment of inherent wrongdoing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamentally responsible

Changes the adjective, focusing on the fundamental nature of the responsibility.

inherently culpable

Focuses on the inherent nature of the blameworthiness.

intrinsically at fault

Highlights the fault as being an essential part of the subject's nature.

essentially responsible

Emphasizes the primary and unavoidable nature of the responsibility.

deeply implicated

Suggests a profound involvement in the wrongdoing.

inescapably blameworthy

Underscores the impossibility of avoiding blame.

unavoidably responsible

Highlights that the responsibility cannot be escaped.

principally liable

Stresses the primary legal or moral responsibility.

primarily to blame

Directly states who or what is most responsible for the wrongdoing.

at the root of the guilt

Shifts the focus to the cause of the guilt.

FAQs

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

You can use "fundamentally guilty" to describe someone or something that is inherently or essentially at fault. For example: "After the investigation, he was deemed "fundamentally guilty" of the charges."

What are some alternatives to "fundamentally guilty"?

Alternatives include "inherently culpable", "intrinsically at fault", or "essentially responsible". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "fundamentally guilty"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms that "fundamentally guilty" is usable in written English to describe someone or something inherently at fault.

What is the difference between "fundamentally guilty" and "partially guilty"?

"Fundamentally guilty" implies a deep, intrinsic level of guilt, while "partially guilty" suggests that the person or entity bears some responsibility but is not entirely to blame.