At a basic level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "At a basic level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a fundamental or simplified explanation of a concept or idea. Example: "At a basic level, photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

AT A basic level, everyone knows how to lose weight.

The Economist

At a basic level, this is all kind of terrifying.

The New York Times

At a basic level we're seeing people take back control of production.

The Guardian

"At a basic level, it is a validation of self," Ms. Knighton said.

The New York Times

At a basic level, the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 are very similar machines.

The Guardian - Tech

At a basic level, selective vision also helps us remain engaged and optimistic day to day.

The New York Times

At a basic level what is a pianist to make of this elusive and unconventional work?

The New York Times - Arts

At a basic level, it has assumed missions of both mercy and war.

The New York Times

At a basic level, the book explains, it simply means "of the highest quality" or "better than".

The New Yorker

At a basic level, the taste of water varies according to the total dissolved solids (TDS) it contains.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The first is, at a basic level, whether to go for £6,000 or £9,000.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "At a basic level", follow it with a clear and concise explanation. Avoid introducing new complexities immediately after using this phrase.

Common error

While "At a basic level" is useful, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "in essence", "fundamentally", or "in simple terms" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "At a basic level" functions as a discourse marker, specifically an introductory phrase. It signals that the speaker or writer is about to provide a simplified explanation or introduce a fundamental concept. Ludwig examples show it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

18%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Opinion

2%

Travel

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "At a basic level" is a commonly used introductory phrase that signals a simplified explanation of a concept, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in diverse sources—notably News & Media, Science, and Wiki—underscore its versatility. While highly useful for clarity, it is important to avoid overuse and vary language with synonyms such as "in essence" or "fundamentally". Utilizing the phrase effectively ensures clear communication and prevents redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In simple terms

Indicates a simplification for easier understanding.

To put it simply

Introduces a straightforward explanation, often avoiding technicalities.

Fundamentally

Highlights the basic and essential nature of something.

In its simplest form

Highlights the uncomplicated version of a complex idea.

Essentially

Points out the key elements or characteristics of a subject.

In essence

Focuses on the core or most important aspect, omitting details.

At its core

Emphasizes the central or most vital part of something.

Boiled down

Indicates a reduction to the most basic and crucial elements.

Stripped down to its essentials

Implies a removal of extraneous details to reveal the basics.

At first glance

Focuses on the initial, most obvious understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "At a basic level" in a sentence?

Use "At a basic level" to introduce a simplified explanation of a concept. For example, "At a basic level, photosynthesis is how plants convert sunlight into energy."

What are some alternatives to "At a basic level"?

You can use alternatives like "in essence", "fundamentally", or "in simple terms" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to follow "At a basic level" with a complex explanation?

No, the purpose of "At a basic level" is to provide a simpler understanding. Avoid immediately introducing complexities after using this phrase. Focus on clarity and conciseness.

In what contexts is "At a basic level" most appropriate?

"At a basic level" is suitable in various contexts, from explaining scientific concepts to simplifying news analyses. It's especially useful when communicating with a broad audience or non-experts.