the fundamental concept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the fundamental concept" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the essential idea or principle underlying a topic or subject matter. Example: "In our discussion of ethics, the fundamental concept of justice must be addressed to understand the implications of our actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The fundamental concept, again, is risk pooling.

Yale University

That was the fundamental concept here.

Harvard University

Natural selection was the fundamental concept in his explanation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fundamental concept of insurance relies on this intuitive idea.

Yale University

"Evolution," the standards said, "is the fundamental concept underlying all biology".

The New York Times

The question is: is the fundamental concept that is being abused good?

The Guardian - Books

The fundamental concept of this 3,195-sq-ft "open" space is its dual-use nature.

Cornell University

Lankes recasts librarianship and library practice using the fundamental concept that knowledge is created though conversation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Many simply can't bend their minds around the fundamental concept of getting naked in front of strangers.

The New York Times - Travel

We also introduce the fundamental concept of the dimension function for SMI spaces.

Journal of Functional Analysis

"The fundamental concept is that money is something that people have, not who they are," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the fundamental concept", ensure you clearly define the concept being discussed to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that your audience already understands "the fundamental concept". Always provide context and explanation, especially when dealing with technical or abstract subjects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the fundamental concept" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the most important idea or principle within a given context. Ludwig confirms its frequent usage in varied fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the fundamental concept" is a widely used phrase to highlight a core idea or principle. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance across various domains, particularly in science, news, and academic contexts. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the concept is well-defined and easily understood by the audience. Common errors include assuming prior knowledge. Alternatives such as ""the core idea"" or ""the basic principle"" can be used to achieve similar emphasis. Therefore, being mindful of context and audience ensures effective communication when using "the fundamental concept".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the basic principle

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the idea.

the core idea

Highlights the central and most important aspect.

the key notion

Focuses on the essential understanding or belief.

the central tenet

Stresses the core belief or doctrine.

the underlying principle

Highlights the principle that something is based on.

the essential idea

Emphasizes the crucial and indispensable aspect.

the main idea

Highlights the most important idea.

the basic concept

Focuses on the concept which is the first step to build on

the heart of the matter

Emphasizes the most important aspect that needs to be understood.

the groundwork

Highlights the basis on which future work is built.

FAQs

How can I use "the fundamental concept" in a sentence?

You can use "the fundamental concept" to introduce a basic principle or idea that underlies a larger topic. For example, "The fundamental concept of insurance is risk pooling."

What are some alternatives to saying "the fundamental concept"?

Alternatives include "the basic principle", "the core idea", or "the key notion". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "fundamental concept" or "basic concept"?

"Fundamental concept" and "basic concept" are often interchangeable, but "fundamental" suggests a more foundational and essential idea, while "basic" implies a simpler or introductory idea.

What is the difference between "the fundamental concept" and "the underlying principle"?

"The fundamental concept" refers to a core idea, while "the underlying principle" refers to a basic rule or law on which something is based. They are similar, but "underlying principle" often implies a more structural or causal relationship.