return to fundamentals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "return to fundamentals" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance of going back to basic principles or core concepts in a particular field or situation. Example: "In times of uncertainty, it's essential for businesses to return to fundamentals to ensure long-term success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

They have to return to fundamentals and climb an even steeper hill ahead.

The New York Times

We would view a pullback on return to fundamentals as an entry point.

The Guardian - Business

These adjustments alone might result in minor improvements, but real change requires a return to fundamentals.

Harvard Business Review

What common process could be understood from these apparently unconnectable discoveries?It was time to return to fundamentals.

The Economist

The idea is that a return to fundamentals, with a focus on the smallest details, will restore a presumed Super Bowl contender from the laughingstock it has become.

The New York Times - Sports

There is now a countervailing desire to be a little more serious, to think about the long term more, to return to fundamentals.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But it pleaded for him to return to "fundamental Conservative principles of less spending, sound finances and lower taxes - once the referendum is out of the way".

The Guardian

Once again, Mr. Cremin said, there is a "return to fundamental issues" like how to provide for the whole child's needs.

The New York Times

Early fundamentalist doctrine attacked competing religions -- especially Catholicism, which it portrayed as an agent of the Antichrist -- and insisted on the literal truth of the Bible, a strict return to "fundamental" principles and a thoroughgoing rejection of modernity.

The New York Times - Books

Pope Benedict advocated a return to fundamental Catholic values in the face of dwindling follower numbers and the West's increasing secularisation.

BBC

"Workers' Compensation: Return to Fundamentals --a report endorsed by the CaliFundamentals --aFundamentals --areport California Chiropractic Assn., California Applicants' Attornendorsed.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "return to fundamentals" when the focus is on simplification and a renewed emphasis on core elements after a period of complexity or deviation.

Common error

Avoid using "return to fundamentals" as a generic call to action without specifying which fundamentals are relevant. This can dilute the phrase's meaning and make your message less effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return to fundamentals" functions as a directive or recommendation, often used to suggest a necessary course correction. It is used to emphasize the importance of basic principles, as supported by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "return to fundamentals" is a phrase used to advocate for a renewed focus on basic principles or core concepts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, business, and science. While versatile, it's most effective when the specific fundamentals are clearly defined. Related phrases such as "go back to basics" and "revert to core principles" offer similar meanings. When writing, remember that clarity is key: specify which fundamentals are relevant to avoid vagueness and enhance the phrase's impact. It can be used as a directive or recommendation, especially to emphasize simplification after periods of complexities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go back to basics

Focuses on simplifying and revisiting the most essential elements.

revert to core principles

Emphasizes a shift back to foundational beliefs or practices.

revisit foundational concepts

Highlights the act of reviewing and reconsidering fundamental ideas.

restore essential practices

Implies reinstating key activities or procedures.

re-emphasize basic tenets

Stresses the act of giving renewed importance to fundamental doctrines.

get back to the roots

Uses a metaphor to suggest returning to the origins or foundations of something.

reconsider primary elements

Focuses on re-evaluating the most important components.

return to the source

Suggests going back to the origin or starting point for guidance.

focus on groundwork

Highlights the importance of concentrating on the underlying foundation.

emphasize the rudiments

Stresses the importance of focusing on the elementary aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "return to fundamentals" in a sentence?

You can use "return to fundamentals" to suggest a renewed focus on basic principles, as in, "The company decided to return to fundamentals after a period of rapid expansion."

What is an alternative to "return to fundamentals"?

You can use alternatives like "go back to basics", "revert to core principles", or "revisit foundational concepts" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "return to fundamentals"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a need to refocus on the core principles or basic elements of a process, strategy, or skill, especially after a period of deviation or complexity.

What does it mean to "return to fundamentals"?

To "return to fundamentals" means to go back to the basic principles or core concepts of something, often after a period of complexity, deviation, or difficulty. It implies a simplification and renewed focus on what is most essential.