the fundamental question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the fundamental question" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It typically refers to the most important or basic question that needs to be answered in a particular context or situation. Example: "In order to solve the issue, we must first address the fundamental question of who is responsible for the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That is the fundamental question".

The New York Times

It doesn't answer the fundamental question.

The Guardian - Arts

It's the fundamental question of modern art.

The New Yorker

The fundamental question for me is one of visibility.

The Guardian

The fundamental question is, is every child learning?

The New York Times

That's the fundamental question we're being faced with.

The Guardian

This fact leads to the fundamental question of their engagement.

The Guardian - Books

The fundamental question remains: how guilty was Abbot Lutz?

The Guardian - Arts

This points to the fundamental question: what is rarity?

The Guardian

The fundamental question in medicine is: Who is in charge?

The New Yorker

The fundamental question in movies is that of experience.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the fundamental question" to introduce a topic that requires deep thought and analysis, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "the fundamental question" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms or rephrasing the question to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the fundamental question" functions as a noun phrase that typically introduces the most important or basic question related to a specific topic or problem. As Ludwig confirms, it is often used to highlight the core issue requiring resolution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the fundamental question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to pinpoint the most crucial inquiry within a discussion or problem. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various domains, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While versatile, it's important to ensure the question truly represents the core issue to avoid diluting its impact. Consider employing synonyms like "the central question" or "the core question" for variety. By using it judiciously, you can effectively guide your readers or listeners to the heart of the matter. With a strong source quality score and common usage, "the fundamental question" stands as a reliable and valuable asset in any communicator's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the central question

Focuses on the centrality of the issue being discussed.

the key question

Emphasizes the importance of the question as a key to understanding.

the core question

Highlights the essential or most important aspect of the inquiry.

the primary question

Indicates the question that comes first or is of most importance.

the main question

Stresses the principal or chief question under consideration.

the crucial question

Highlights the critical or decisive nature of the question.

the essential question

Emphasizes the necessary or vital aspect of the question.

the underlying question

Focuses on the question that is less obvious but fundamental.

the basic question

Highlights the simplicity and foundational nature of the inquiry.

the overarching question

Stresses the comprehensive nature of the inquiry encompassing all aspects.

FAQs

What does "the fundamental question" mean?

It refers to the most essential or basic question that needs to be addressed in a particular context. It is the core issue upon which other considerations depend.

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

You can use it to introduce the most important question that needs to be answered, such as: "The project's success hinges on answering "the fundamental question": 'Is there a market for this product?'"

What can I say instead of "the fundamental question"?

You can use alternatives like "the central question", "the key question", or "the core question" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "the fundamental question" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate. As Ludwig demonstrates, "the fundamental question" is commonly used in news articles, scientific publications, and formal documents to introduce core issues.