key notions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key notions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to important ideas or concepts within a particular context or discussion. Example: "In this paper, we will explore the key notions of sustainability and their impact on environmental policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 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

Our study is focused on two key notions: metric subregularity and strong metric subregularity.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a new topic, clearly define the "key notions" to provide a solid foundation for understanding. This helps ensure that your audience grasps the essential concepts from the outset.

Common error

Avoid using "key notions" without specifying the context in which they are key. Always ensure that the importance of these notions is relevant to the discussion or field you are addressing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key notions" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It introduces or refers to the most important concepts or ideas in a given context. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which indicates its correct usage in various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "key notions" serves as a valuable tool for highlighting essential concepts across various disciplines. As indicated by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and appropriate. It is most frequently encountered in scientific, academic, and journalistic contexts, emphasizing fundamental ideas. When using "key notions", ensure that the context is clear and that the notions are indeed central to the topic at hand. Alternative phrases such as "fundamental concepts" or "essential ideas" can be used to add variety, but should maintain semantic similarity. Ultimately, "key notions" helps to build a solid foundation of understanding in any discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental concepts

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of the ideas.

essential ideas

Highlights the necessity and importance of the ideas.

core principles

Focuses on the guiding rules or beliefs.

basic tenets

Stresses the established and accepted doctrines.

central themes

Highlights the recurring and dominant subjects.

primary concepts

Emphasizes the order of the concept and its high importance.

pivotal ideas

Highlights the importance of the idea as a critical moment.

cornerstone concepts

Stresses its importance as a basic foundation

critical elements

Highlights its importance as a must-have element.

significant aspects

Highlights some points of specific relevance.

FAQs

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

You can use "key notions" to introduce fundamental concepts or ideas within a particular context. For example, "The "key notions" in quantum physics can be challenging to grasp initially."

What are some alternatives to "key notions"?

Alternatives to "key notions" include "fundamental concepts", "essential ideas", or "core principles", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "key notions" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in academic or scientific contexts where clearly defining essential concepts is crucial. The phrase is used across diverse formal sources.

What distinguishes "key notions" from "important concepts"?

"Key notions" specifically implies that these concepts are foundational or crucial for understanding a particular subject, whereas "important concepts" is a more general term that simply highlights the significance of the ideas.