it essentially is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it essentially is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the fundamental nature or essence of something in a discussion or explanation. Example: "While there are many nuances to the argument, at its core, it essentially is about fairness and justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

So it essentially is a people-powered film.

The Guardian

The site looks like a cement factory, which it essentially is.

The New Yorker

"It essentially is an internal Colombian military decision," Mr. Manwaring said.

The New York Times

The Audible Otis looks for all the world like an MP3 player, which it essentially is.

The New York Times - Tech

The new results suggest that the universe, as mysterious as it essentially is, may not be entirely perverse.

The New York Times - Science

"It essentially is a bill that is providing flexibility without accountability," said John E. Chubb, interim chief executive of Education Sector, a nonpartisan policy group.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

That's what it essentially was.

Forbes

It essentially was across-the-board tax relief, Mr. President.

Huffington Post

"It will essentially be relabeling".

The New Yorker

Anybody inside it would essentially be toast".

The Guardian

So leave them to it, has essentially been my philosophy.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it essentially is" to clarify the most important or fundamental aspect of a complex topic or situation to provide a concise explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "it essentially is" excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it essentially is" functions as a descriptor or explanatory phrase. It introduces a simplified or core understanding of a topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English and commonly used to emphasize the fundamental nature of something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it essentially is" serves to simplify and clarify the fundamental nature of a subject, making it useful across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, though overusing the phrase should be avoided. It finds common ground in both News & Media and Scientific circles, while also maintaining a presence in Formal & Business environments. Remember, while alternatives like ""it is fundamentally"" and ""it is basically"" exist, the choice hinges on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is fundamentally

Replaces "essentially" with "fundamentally", emphasizing the basic or core nature.

it is basically

Substitutes "essentially" with "basically", indicating a simplified explanation.

it is primarily

Replaces "essentially" with "primarily", focusing on the main aspect.

it is mainly

Similar to "primarily", but can suggest a greater degree of concentration.

it is chiefly

Replaces "essentially" with "chiefly", highlighting the most important element.

it is at its heart

Emphasizes the core or central element of something.

it boils down to

Suggests simplifying a complex issue to its core components.

it amounts to

Implies that something is equivalent to something else in effect.

it is in effect

Highlights the practical result or consequence.

it is virtually

Replaces "essentially" with "virtually", indicating that something is almost the same as something else.

FAQs

How can I use "it essentially is" in a sentence?

Use "it essentially is" to convey the core nature or most important aspect of something. For example, "While the process is complex, "it essentially is" a way to streamline operations".

What are some alternatives to "it essentially is"?

You can use alternatives like "it is fundamentally", "it is basically", or "it is primarily" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it essentially is" formal or informal?

The phrase "it essentially is" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "it essentially is" and "it is essentially"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "it essentially is" places slightly more emphasis on the "is", implying a stronger affirmation. "It is essentially" is a more neutral construction.