fundamentals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamentals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the basic principles or foundational concepts of a subject or field. Example: "Before diving into advanced topics, it's essential to understand the fundamentals of programming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then, instead of looking at the fundamentals of the securities themselves, they simply assumed that they could rely on the credit ratings the ratings agencies bestowed, even though those agencies' conflicts of interest were well-known.

The Economist

Connie, via email A To get started with programming on the Pi, you could use the drag and drop software Scratch from MIT to get used to the concepts and fundamentals such as variables, loops and input/output.

The Guardian - Tech

"The fundamentals are understanding your palate and how to construct flavours".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After a false dawn when the Eurozone exited recession just over a year ago the fundamentals and overall economic picture have failed to see a substantial improvement.

The Guardian - Business

These are fundamentals in any event kit and can get you out of trouble in a lot of situations.

The Guardian

"If Saudi Arabia is starting to hedge its bets by developing solar capacity, this could change the fundamentals of the oil market," said James Leaton, CTI head of research.

The Guardian

But while those dollars make a lot of decisions easier – Facebook's chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, clearly won't have to worry about childcare costs or how the mortgage will be paid after the recent tragic death of her husband at the age of only 47 – they don't change some of the fundamentals.

The Guardian - Money

The cat-and-mouse game might be less intense than last year but the fundamentals haven't changed, here or a couple of miles away.

The Guardian

And yet the fundamentals are very different now – and not in a way that will encourage the Conservatives.

The Guardian - Opinion

I wanted this to represent as many people as possible – and the fundamentals of our society".

The Guardian - Film

Sadly, Miliband allowed himself to be perceived as uninterested in schools policy I also thought that the fundamentals of our education manifesto were correct.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a complex topic, start by outlining the "fundamentals" to ensure your audience has a solid base understanding. This approach helps in building a more comprehensive argument or explanation.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience already understands the "fundamentals" of a topic. Briefly review these basic concepts, especially when discussing advanced material, to keep everyone on the same page.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fundamentals" is that of a noun, typically used in the plural form. It serves as the subject or object in a sentence, denoting the basic principles or essential aspects of a subject or field. Ludwig provides ample examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "fundamentals" refers to the essential principles or core concepts of a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, this noun phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, business, and science. When writing, it's crucial to identify and articulate the "fundamentals" of a topic to ensure clarity and understanding. Alternatives such as "basic principles" or "core concepts" can be used depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic principles

Focuses on the guiding rules rather than the foundational elements.

core concepts

Emphasizes the essential ideas needed to understand a subject.

essential elements

Highlights the necessary components or parts of something.

underlying principles

Stresses the foundational rules that support a system or idea.

basic tenets

Refers to the core beliefs or doctrines of a philosophy or religion.

foundational aspects

Highlights the elements that serve as the groundwork for something.

primary components

Focuses on the main building blocks of a system or structure.

key ingredients

Highlights the vital elements that make up a successful outcome.

groundwork

Refers to the initial preparations or basis for future development.

building blocks

Emphasizes the individual components that, when assembled, create something larger.

FAQs

How can I use "fundamentals" in a sentence?

You can use "fundamentals" to refer to the basic principles or essential concepts of a subject. For example: "Understanding the "core concepts" is crucial before advancing."

What are some synonyms for "fundamentals"?

Alternatives to "fundamentals" include "basic principles", "core concepts", or "essential elements". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "fundamentals"?

Use "fundamentals" when referring to the foundational or underlying aspects of a subject, skill, or system. It's suitable in educational, professional, and technical contexts.

How do "fundamentals" differ from "specifics"?

"Fundamentals" refer to the basic, essential principles, while "specifics" detail particular aspects or details. Understanding the fundamentals provides a framework for comprehending the specifics.