In essence means basically, at its core: the main point once you strip away the details. In essence, the proposal gives residents a shared space to repair things. Two schemes can be similar in essence even with different names. The phrase is neutral to formal; in conversation, basically is more common.
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In essence, + main point; something is, in essence, something else
- In essence, the proposal gives residents a shared space to repair things.
- The two schemes are similar in essence, despite their different names.
- The role is, in essence, a link between customers and the technical team.
What changed
First versionIn the essence, the new rule changes who can access the archive.
RevisionIn essence, the new rule changes who can access the archive.
The essence of is a familiar phrase, so the slips in here too: in the essence. But the fixed phrase in essence has no article. The appears only with of: the essence of the proposal, its core idea.
The essence of is a noun phrase, 'the core of': The essence of the plan is simple. In essence is a linking phrase, 'basically': In essence, the plan is simple. In other words just restates the idea, while in essence reduces it to the main point.
Your turn
The documents use different terms but describe the same basic process ___ essence.
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in — The fixed phrase is in essence: at their core, the documents describe the same process. On essence has no such meaning.
In one sentence, explain to a friend what someone with a confusing job title actually does. Use in essence.
A product manager is, in essence, the person who decides what gets built next.
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