the core thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the core thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the most important or central aspect of a topic or issue. Example: "When discussing the project, the core thing to remember is the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

General Discussion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

So I think the core thing is about what we were able to do as opposed to just time".

The New York Times - Sports

We'll see a large diversity of devices, and the core thing is that web technology has always been very device-independent.

The Economist

David: The core thing it says about them is that they want to reform entitlements and cut spending, but they can't actually propose any plans to do these things because it would be politically unpopular.

The New York Times

"Enforcing land ownership is not just some random thing the state does, it's the core thing the state does," Francis Irving, a programmer and activist for open data who co-founded the prize-winning data startup ScraperWiki, told me.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Is what you want for that cop to be charged and put in jail, or do you want to think about how it was that they just walked in and shot him right away?" "You're playing whack-a-mole with the symptoms and not the core thing," Williams interjected.

The Guardian - Books

"The core thing is really simple," Best said.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"And the core things that they make a living with here fit the core things that you have to have to make a great wrestler.

The Guardian - Sport

One of the core things that is important to leadership is passion for the vision.

The New York Times

"I don't think he's that conservative, but the core things he believes in are my cores: immigration, security.

The Guardian - Tech

Zhang Lifan, a Beijing-based political commentator, said now that Xi was the "core", things should go more smoothly for him at next year's congress.

The Guardian

So we would probably crave cream cakes and pastries but wouldn't be so bothered about the core things Atkins denies - rice or pasta, for example.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the core thing", ensure the context clearly establishes what you are referring to, avoiding ambiguity for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "the core thing" repeatedly within the same paragraph or complex sentence. This can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the core thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the most essential or fundamental aspect of something, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Tech

25%

Formal & Business

12.5%

Less common in

Science

12.5%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the core thing" is a common noun phrase used to emphasize the most essential aspect of a topic or issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Tech. While synonyms like "the key aspect" or "the essential element" can offer nuance, "the core thing" effectively highlights what truly matters. Be mindful of overuse and strive for clarity when incorporating it into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the key aspect

Focuses on a particular element, making it central.

the essential element

Emphasizes the necessity and indispensability of an aspect.

the fundamental aspect

Highlights the foundational or basic nature of a thing.

the central point

Focuses on the main idea or argument.

the heart of the matter

Suggests getting to the most important part of a situation.

the crux of the issue

Points to the decisive or critical point of contention.

the primary concern

Indicates the most important worry or focus.

the main component

Emphasizes a vital part of a larger system or whole.

the underlying principle

Highlights the foundational rule or idea.

the critical factor

Pinpoints the element that will determine the outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "the core thing" in a sentence?

You can use "the core thing" to emphasize the most important aspect of a topic. For example, "When analyzing the data, "the core thing" to consider is the sample size."

What are some alternatives to saying "the core thing"?

Alternatives include "the key aspect", "the essential element", or "the fundamental aspect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "the core thing" or "the main thing"?

Both "the core thing" and "the main thing" are acceptable. "The core thing" often implies a deeper, more fundamental aspect, while "the main thing" simply indicates the most important. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "the core thing" and "the heart of the matter"?

"The core thing" usually refers to a specific element or aspect, whereas "the heart of the matter" implies the central issue or problem. The former is more analytical, the latter more about understanding a situation.