But basically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "But basically" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to summarize or simplify a more complex idea or explanation. Example: "The project was challenging due to various factors, but basically, we managed to complete it on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But basically correct.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But, basically, no".

The New York Times

'But basically London.

The Guardian - Arts

But, basically, mammals are really boring".

The New Yorker

But basically Scoot was a good kid.

The New Yorker

But, basically, they're just like us.

The New Yorker

But basically I'd agree with you".

Independent

But basically, he said no.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But basically, evolution is unproven.

The New York Times

"But basically, it's not true".

The New York Times - Books

But basically it's just gambling.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "But basically" when you want to simplify a complex issue, providing your audience with the gist of the matter.

Common error

Avoid using "But basically" in highly formal writing; opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "in essence" or "fundamentally" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "But basically" functions as a discourse marker, signaling a shift to a more simplified or summarized explanation. It serves to clarify or highlight the core idea following a more detailed discussion. Ludwig examples show it is widely used in news articles to give a quick understanding after detailing a topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "But basically" is a commonly used conjunction phrase that functions as a discourse marker to introduce a simplified summary or core idea. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media sources. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts; more formal alternatives like "essentially" or "in essence" are preferable in academic or business writing. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and contextually appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Essentially

Similar to "in essence", but can also indicate something's practical nature.

Fundamentally

Emphasizes the basic or essential character of something.

In essence

More formal alternative, focusing on the fundamental nature of something.

The bottom line is

Directly introduces the most important point or conclusion.

At its core

Highlights the central, most important aspect.

Putting it simply

Focuses on simplifying a complex topic for easier understanding.

To put it briefly

Similar to "putting it simply", but emphasizes brevity.

In a nutshell

More informal, suggesting a very brief summary.

Boiled down

Implies reducing something complex to its most basic elements.

When all is said and done

This is used to convey a concluding summary statement, often after a discussion of different perspectives.

FAQs

How can I use "But basically" in a sentence?

"But basically" is used to introduce a summary or simplification of a preceding explanation. For example: "The project had many challenges, but basically, we succeeded."

What phrases are similar to "But basically"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "essentially", "in essence", or "fundamentally", which all serve to introduce a core concept or summary.

Is "But basically" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "But basically" is generally more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "in essence" or "fundamentally" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "But basically" and "Essentially"?

Both phrases introduce a summary, but "Essentially" is generally perceived as more formal and precise than "But basically", which can sometimes come across as more casual or conversational.