the very root

USAGE SUMMARY

"the very root" is a perfectly fine phrase to use in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the origin of something, as in "The very root of the problem lies in the lack of communication between the two sides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This, he said, was at the "very root of electoral corruption.

The Guardian

But we shouldn't forget the very root cause of why women had to flee after all".

The Guardian

There is a tragic self-mutilation at the very root of civilisation".

The Guardian - Books

Language is the very root of what it means to be human.

The New York Times

Paradox, Wilde insisted, is the very root of all existence; truth, he wrote, is simply "one's last mood".

The New York Times

"He knew it was going to take a transformation at the very root of what it was to be Protestant".

The New York Times

He says that the large interest in Kondo's work proves there is a problem with overconsumption, but it does not address the very root of it.

The Guardian

Their position at the very root of our family tree has led scientists to claim that the skeletons will help define what it means to be human.

The Guardian

"We were proud to be at the very root of New York, and the windmill, for me, is the symbol of the energy that drives New York.

The New York Times

Their hatred of America is not a "position" like being anti-war in this country is a "position", since it lies at the very root of their identity.

The Guardian

Such blinkeredness extends to the very root of the pro-allegory position, which assumes that, seven centuries after the fact, we can say accurately what Dante's views were.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very root" to emphasize the fundamental cause or origin of a situation, problem, or idea. This adds weight to your argument and highlights the importance of the underlying factor.

Common error

While "the very root" is a powerful phrase, avoid using it excessively. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "the heart of the matter" or "the core of the issue."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very root" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or within a prepositional phrase. It emphasizes the foundational or originating aspect of something. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in highlighting the core cause or beginning point of various concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very root" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the fundamental origin or cause of something. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from neutral to formal. Its prevalence in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business writing highlights its versatility in conveying the core essence of different concepts. When using "the very root", remember to consider its impact and avoid overuse, opting for synonyms like "the heart of the matter" or "the core of the issue" when appropriate. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "the very root" into your writing to add depth and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the heart of the matter

Replaces "root" with "heart", focusing on the central point.

the core of the issue

Substitutes "root" with "core", highlighting the most important part.

the foundation of

Emphasizes the underlying basis or support system.

the origin of

Focuses specifically on the beginning or source.

the basis of

Highlights the fundamental principle or reason.

the source of

Points to where something originates or comes from.

the crux of

Emphasizes the decisive point or most important aspect.

the essence of

Highlights the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality.

the bottom line

Refers to the fundamental and essential point.

the starting point

Focuses on the initial stage or beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "the very root" in a sentence?

You can use "the very root" to emphasize the fundamental cause or origin. For example: "The lack of communication is at "the very root" of their problems."

What are some alternatives to "the very root"?

Some alternatives include "the heart of the matter", "the core of the issue", or "the foundation of", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the very roots" instead of "the very root"?

While "the very root" refers to a singular, fundamental origin, "the very roots" can be used when referring to multiple interconnected origins or sources. The choice depends on whether you are emphasizing a single cause or multiple contributing factors.

What's the difference between "the very root" and "the root cause"?

"The very root" emphasizes the fundamental nature and origin, whereas "the root cause" specifically refers to the underlying cause of a problem. They are similar, but "the very root" can also apply to non-problematic situations, highlighting the origin of something positive or neutral.