a basic background

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic background" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to fundamental information or context about a subject or topic. Example: "Before diving into the details of the project, it's important to provide a basic background on the current market trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Their company offers a basic background search for $9.95.

The New York Times

I commissioned a company to do a basic background check, but I'm not hiding from the decision I made.

Independent

Though his pay was more than $200,000 a year, the company hadn't wanted to offend him by conducting a basic background check.

The New York Times

No one should be allowed into Europe until they are registered and at least a basic background check has been completed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Prodded by the gun lobby, most states, including North Carolina, now require only a basic background check, and perhaps a safety class, to obtain a permit.

The New York Times

Note: Each of these investigations assumes that students already have a basic background on the Renaissance as a period of economic growth and cultural transformation, which encouraged experimentation and change in many areas of human life.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Yet this government can't even pass a basic background-check bill to fight that threat.

Huffington Post

For an effective control of the economic fundamentals, we have considered relying on an international number of death models, which have provided a theoretical basic background in selecting the pertinent health fundamentals.

Health Economics Review

This procedure was a necessary step in order to assure that every student has a minimum, basic background knowledge concerning the aims of the very lab session and the objectives they were attempting to achieve, while at same time forming a PHR reference (control) to be compared to Google Health during the survey that was following (see below).

BMC Medical Education

'Indicators' is a general term used by InterVA to describe the range of items of information about the circumstances of a death, including basic background characteristics, signs and symptoms of illness, and past medical history, to mention a few.

Global Health Action

Indicator is the terminology used by InterVA-4 to describe the whole range of items of information about the circumstances of a death, including basic background characteristics, details of any illness (signs and symptoms) leading to death, previous medical history, etc.

Global Health Action

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a new topic or concept, always establish "a basic background" to ensure the audience has the necessary context to understand the subsequent information.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience possesses "a basic background" already. Explicitly provide necessary context to prevent confusion and ensure clear communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic background" functions as a noun phrase, where 'basic' is an adjective modifying 'background'. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to describe the minimum level of knowledge or understanding required for a particular subject or task. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage in various contexts, from academic prerequisites to background checks.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

44%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basic background" is a versatile noun phrase used to indicate a fundamental level of knowledge or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its prevalence across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge. While it's a common phrase, it's crucial to consider your audience's existing knowledge and provide necessary context to avoid misunderstandings. Alternatives like "a foundational knowledge" or "a general overview" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a foundational knowledge

Stresses that the knowledge serves as a base for further learning.

a fundamental basis

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the knowledge.

an elementary understanding

Highlights the simplicity and introductory level of comprehension.

a general overview

Suggests a broad, non-detailed understanding of the subject.

a basic grounding

Implies that initial principles and skills have been established.

a rudimentary grasp

Focuses on the initial stage of learning and comprehension.

a working knowledge

Implies practical familiarity sufficient for basic tasks.

an initial exposure

Highlights the first encounter or introduction to a topic.

a surface-level familiarity

Indicates a superficial understanding without deep expertise.

a conceptual framework

Emphasizes the high-level concepts and structure rather than specifics.

FAQs

How can I use "a basic background" in a sentence?

You can use "a basic background" to describe someone's knowledge or understanding of a subject. For example, "The course assumes students have "a basic understanding" of algebra before enrolling."

What's the difference between "a basic background" and "an advanced background"?

"A basic background" refers to fundamental knowledge or understanding of a subject. An advanced background indicates a deeper, more specialized knowledge.

Are there situations where "a fundamental basis" is more appropriate than "a basic background"?

Yes, while similar, "a fundamental basis" is best used when discussing core principles or foundations, whereas "a basic background" is more general and can refer to a broader understanding.

What can I say instead of "a basic background" in an academic context?

In an academic setting, you could use phrases like "a foundational knowledge", "an elementary understanding", or "a general overview" to convey a similar meaning.