key notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key notion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it any time to refer to a main idea that is significant or important for understanding something. For example, "The key notion of this essay is that human behavior is influenced by environmental factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The key notion now is energy.

The New Yorker

The heart of Frege's logical revolution was his treatment of the key notion of generality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The key notion in all this is that of the dhammas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In effect, the film's key notion is: what if Rubik hadn't actually invented the cube but merely got the credit and the money for it?

The New Yorker

Philosophical questions concerning this topic were debated in the 3rd to 5th centuries, as noted above, in terms of the key notion of ousia/substantia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"In the American press after Dunblane," says Glassner, "the key notion was this just shows that gun control does nothing because Britain has the strictest, whereas in Britain the response was: we need to close this loophole".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Two key notions, even in early Buddhism, are those of anatta (Sanskrit anatman; "no-self") and nibbana.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In addition, Descartes insisted that all key notions and the limits of each problem must be clearly defined.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is especially the case with some of the key notions discussed by Mr. Aczel, namely the continuum hypothesis and the axiom of choice.

The New York Times - Books

They're actually serving to bridge the divide between the concepts of "purpose" and "random" – two key notions in King's Dark Tower series, and a less high-profile constant throughout much of his later work.

The Guardian - Books

Let us start by defining some key notions.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "key notion" to signal the most important takeaway from a detailed explanation or analysis.

Common error

Avoid simply stating a "key notion" without providing adequate context or supporting evidence. Always ensure the reader understands why it's important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key notion" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a central or fundamental concept. Ludwig AI shows it's often used to introduce or emphasize significant ideas within a discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

Encyclopedias

15%

News & Media

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Unknown

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key notion" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to highlight a central or fundamental concept. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalence across various domains, particularly in science and encyclopedias. While widely accepted, it's essential to provide sufficient context when using this phrase. Consider alternatives like "core concept" or "fundamental principle" for nuanced expression. Using "key notion" effectively involves not just stating the concept, but also elucidating its importance and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core concept

Focuses on the central, most important idea.

primary concept

Highlights the main idea.

fundamental principle

Highlights the foundational rule or law.

essential element

Emphasizes the necessary component for understanding.

basic idea

Refers to the underlying concept or thought.

underlying principle

Refers to the foundational idea.

central theme

Indicates the main subject or topic.

mainstay concept

Emphasizes a core idea.

cornerstone idea

Highlights an element that is the basis for everything else.

crucial aspect

Stresses the importance of a particular feature.

FAQs

How can I use "key notion" in a sentence?

You can use "key notion" to introduce a central concept or idea. For example, "A key notion in quantum physics is wave-particle duality".

What's a good alternative to "key notion"?

Alternatives include "core concept", "fundamental principle", or "essential element" depending on the specific context.

How does "key notion" differ from "main idea"?

"Key notion" often refers to a foundational concept that underpins a larger theory or understanding, while "main idea" is a broader summary of the primary point.

Is it appropriate to use "key notion" in formal writing?

Yes, "key notion" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic or scientific contexts. However, ensure clarity and avoid overuse. Consider using synonyms like "central theme" or "primary concept" for variety.