in its nucleus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in its nucleus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in scientific or metaphorical contexts to refer to the central or most important part of something. Example: "The research focused on the role of DNA in its nucleus, highlighting its significance in genetic expression."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What makes an element distinct is the number of protons it has in its nucleus: hydrogen has one proton, helium has two, and on up the periodic table to uranium, which has ninety-two.

The New Yorker

The isotope uranium-235 has 92 protons and 143 neutrons in its nucleus, and it can undergo a nuclear fission chain reaction.

Science Magazine

We erroneously stated that normal water has no neutrons in its nucleus; of course it should be hydrogen, not water.

The Guardian

Deuterium is identical to hydrogen, save for a neutron in its nucleus that makes it twice as heavy.

Science Magazine

As the comet went through the sun's corona, the heat ignited the gases deep in its nucleus and a few days after it emerged from the corona, a huge tail had developed behind it.

BBC

This comet was chosen for investigation because it is relatively inactive most of the volatile materials in its nucleus having been exhausted.

The Economist

Years earlier, Dr. Seaborg led a major effort to create an isotope of plutonium with 244 protons in its nucleus, and he succeeded in making a small quantity of it.

The New York Times

An atom is first identified and labeled according to the number of protons in its nucleus.

Britannica

Take, for example, an element with Z protons and N neutrons in its nucleus.

Britannica

The atom with one proton and one neutron in its nucleus is called deuterium.

Britannica

Each atom of carbon-12 has six neutrons and six protons in its nucleus.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the central or key element of a concept or system, consider if a more metaphorical term like "at its core" or "at its heart" might be more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "in its nucleus" when referring to general central locations or ideas; the term is scientifically specific. Use alternatives like "at its core" or "in its center" for broader applications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in its nucleus" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to specify location or containment. Ludwig examples show it denoting the physical location of subatomic particles or genetic material within a nucleus. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in its nucleus" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase that is commonly used to denote location within the nucleus of an atom or cell. Ludwig provides numerous examples from reputable sources, including scientific journals, news media, and encyclopedias. While the phrase is highly specific and technically accurate, alternative phrases like "at its core" or "in its center" may be more appropriate in metaphorical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inside its nucleus

Adds "inside" to explicitly indicate the interior location.

deep within its nucleus

Reinforces the idea of depth and centrality.

at its core

Replaces "nucleus" with "core", indicating the central or most important part.

in its center

Replaces "nucleus" with "center", denoting the physical or conceptual middle.

within its core

Adds "within" for emphasis, highlighting the containment aspect.

at its heart

Uses "heart" metaphorically to represent the central and vital part.

at its central point

Replaces "nucleus" with "central point", focusing on a specific location.

at its epicenter

Uses "epicenter" to suggest the focal point or origin.

in its innermost part

Emphasizes the deep and central location using "innermost part".

in its essential component

Shifts from a physical to a more abstract, functional perspective.

FAQs

How is "in its nucleus" used in a scientific context?

In science, "in its nucleus" typically refers to the location of protons, neutrons, and DNA within the nucleus of an atom or cell. It's a precise term used to describe the physical location of these components.

What can I say instead of "in its nucleus" in a metaphorical sense?

When referring to the central part of a concept or idea, consider using alternatives like "at its core", "in its center", or "at its heart" to convey a similar meaning without the scientific specificity.

Which is more appropriate, "in its nucleus" or "at its center"?

"In its nucleus" is more appropriate when discussing atoms, cells, or other scientific entities with a defined nucleus. "At its center" is a more general term that can be used in broader contexts to describe the middle or most important part of something.

How does the context affect the choice between "in its nucleus" and "deep inside"?

"In its nucleus" specifically indicates a location within the nucleus of an atom or cell. "Deep inside" is a more general term that can refer to any interior location, whether physical or metaphorical, and lacks the scientific precision of "in its nucleus".