radical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "radical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very different from the usual or traditional, often implying a significant change or departure from the norm. Example: "The new policy introduced by the company is quite radical, aiming to transform the workplace culture entirely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Politics

Social Commentary

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's radical!

The New York Times

Underpinning all of this is our radical programme of investment in infrastructure.

The Guardian - Opinion

With only an outline sketch of an agreement on the table, many of Europe's most senior policymakers are of the opinion that a crisis point will be reached and that Athens's radical left Syriza government will be forced to either capitulate to Brussels or quit the euro.

The Guardian

Fear of retaliation and death threats from radical Islamists have forced some cartoonists into exile, according to the report, Drawing the line: cartoonists under threat.

The Guardian

We need more research on the impact of radical approaches.

The Guardian

A truly radical approach would be for the government to also have a direct role in house building – not just affordable house building but in the private market also".

The Guardian

Standing next to a photograph of Gladstone, he said: "The radical Liberals were pretty successful … The old Tory elite kind of lost out to those radical reformers, thankfully, which is why we became a successful country.

The Guardian

The home secretary last hinted at her wish to see the introduction of pre-broadcast banning powers in the immediate aftermath of the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich two years ago, when Conservative MPs expressed strong criticism of a BBC Newsnight interview with the radical Islamist activist Anjem Choudary.

The Guardian

The greatest change in the post-Victoria era, of course, has been not aesthetic, but the gradual acceptance of cremation (first proposed by a few radical thinkers in the late 19th century).

The Guardian

The Berliner Ensemble will bring its radical version of Beckett's most famous play, Waiting for Godot, the last production created by George Tabori before his death in 2007.

The Guardian

This would usually be the point for me to demand a TV format that accommodates that liveness; one that makes space for radical comedy, political comedy, is-it-really comedy, interactive comedy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "radical" to describe changes that are fundamental and address root causes, rather than superficial adjustments. This emphasizes the depth and significance of the transformation.

Common error

Avoid using "radical" to describe minor or incremental changes. Overusing the term can dilute its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic. Reserve "radical" for truly transformative shifts.

Linguistic Context

The term "radical" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something as fundamentally different from the norm, innovative, or extreme. Ludwig examples show its application across diverse contexts, reinforcing its role in characterizing significant departures from conventional approaches. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Politics

25%

Social Commentary

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "radical" functions as an adjective to describe changes or ideas that are fundamental, extreme, or innovative. Ludwig AI confirms the word's proper and extensive usability. It commonly appears in news and media, politics, and social commentary, marking its versatile applicability. To ensure clarity and impact, reserve "radical" for significant transformations rather than minor adjustments. Consider alternatives like "revolutionary" or "fundamental" to better suit the specific context. By using "radical" judiciously, you can effectively emphasize the depth and significance of the changes you describe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revolutionary change

Emphasizes the aspect of complete and fundamental alteration of systems or structures.

fundamental shift

Focuses on a deep and significant change in the basic nature of something.

sweeping reform

Highlights the broad and comprehensive nature of the changes being implemented.

transformative innovation

Stresses the power of innovation to bring about significant change.

far-reaching modification

Indicates the extensive impact and scope of the changes made.

paradigm shift

Denotes a change in the fundamental assumptions and concepts of a field.

groundbreaking advancement

Highlights the pioneering and innovative nature of the changes.

innovative approach

Focuses on a new method that significantly departs from conventional practices.

unconventional method

Stresses the departure from traditional or accepted norms.

extreme makeover

Implies a dramatic and thorough transformation, often visually oriented.

FAQs

How to use "radical" in a sentence?

You can use "radical" to describe something that is very different from the usual or traditional. For example, "The company introduced a "radical new policy" aimed at improving employee well-being."

What can I say instead of "radical"?

You can use alternatives like "revolutionary", "fundamental", or "extreme" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "radical" and "revolutionary"?

"Radical" often implies a change at the root cause, while "revolutionary" suggests a more widespread and often sudden change in power or structure. Both describe significant departures from the norm.

Is it correct to use "radical" in a business context?

Yes, it is appropriate to use "radical" in a business context when describing significant and transformative changes or strategies. For example, a company might implement a "radical restructuring" to improve efficiency.