is at its core

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is at its core" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is fundamentally or essentially true. For example, "The novel is, at its core, a story about self-acceptance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And it is, at its core, something untellable and irreducible.

The New York Times - Arts

But while Twitter has huge potential for publishers, it is, at its core, a communication tool.

The Guardian

"It is, at its core, a concept of writing, of distillation".

The New York Times - Arts

"In some things, Italy is rightly known for creativity and innovation, but it is at its core an archaic civilization.

The New York Times

A company's philanthropy tells you what it is at its core.

Forbes

It is, at its core, a feed reader with a dead simple interface.

TechCrunch

It underscores that the "Odyssey" is, at its core, about preserving memory.

The New York Times - Books

At first glance this is something to celebrate, for it rightly confirms that capitalism is, at its core, quite compassionate.

Forbes

Yet this is at its core a political crisis, and on the political front it represents a massive diplomatic failure.

The Guardian - Opinion

But sentimentality is at its core.

The Guardian - Film

This is, at its core, a tale of contrasts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is at its core" to pinpoint the most crucial or defining aspect of a subject when you want to convey the fundamental truth about it. This phrase is effective in emphasizing the essential nature of a concept or entity.

Common error

Avoid using "is at its core" too frequently in a single text, especially in complex arguments. Overuse can dilute the impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

"Is at its core" functions as a predicative expression, identifying the fundamental or essential nature of a subject. It highlights what truly defines something, as confirmed by Ludwig and exemplified in various contexts, from philosophical concepts to practical applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is at its core" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for emphasizing the fundamental nature or essence of something. As Ludwig AI points out, it's effective in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business, where clear and direct communication is valued. When using "is at its core", remember to highlight the most crucial aspect of your subject and avoid overuse to maintain the impact of your writing. For alternative phrasing, consider using "is fundamentally" or "is essentially", depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is fundamentally

Focuses on the basic and essential nature.

is essentially

Highlights the intrinsic nature of something.

is intrinsically

Emphasizes the inherent qualities.

is centrally

Indicates the central importance of something.

is basically

Highlights a simplified or fundamental explanation.

is at its heart

Emphasizes the emotional or central essence.

is in essence

Focuses on the defining characteristic.

is in its nature

Highlights the inherent disposition.

is defined by

Highlights a core aspect by which something is identified.

is characterized by

Focuses on the distinguishing features.

FAQs

How can I use "is at its core" in a sentence?

You can use "is at its core" to emphasize the essential nature of something. For example, "The debate "is at its core" about fairness" highlights that the fundamental issue of the debate is fairness.

What phrases are similar to "is at its core"?

Alternatives to "is at its core" include "is essentially", "is fundamentally", or "is basically", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "at its core is" instead of "is at its core"?

While grammatically possible, placing "at its core" at the beginning of the sentence is less common and can sound awkward. It's generally better to use the structure "is at its core" for clarity and flow.

What is the difference between "is at its core" and "is essentially"?

"Is at its core" emphasizes the most fundamental aspect, while "is essentially" focuses on the intrinsic nature or key characteristics. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the base element or the overall defining traits.