a basic commodity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic commodity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental or essential product that is widely available and typically used in commerce. Example: "Rice is considered a basic commodity in many countries, serving as a staple food for millions of people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Cement is a basic commodity and margins are razor thin.

The Guardian

"To me, steel is a basic commodity that we have to make in this country.

The New York Times

Cross-linking agents transform polyethylene (PE) from being a basic commodity thermoplastic into a useful engineering material.

Additives for Polyolefins Getting the Most Out of Polypropylene, Polyethylene and TPO

Mr Lyons says gold should be treated as a basic commodity just like food or oil and, just like other commodities, it has a firm floor and a soft ceiling.

BBC

This will turn the provision of basic health insurance into a basic commodity (like wheat) and produce intense competition among insurance companies to provide this commodity.

Huffington Post

Time is known to be a basic commodity in health care.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Once the policy is introduced, waste-disposal costs are counted as production costs by producers, and the treatment service turns to be a basic-commodity (basic-service), so that the wage-profit frontier reflects the technical condition of the service.

Journal of Economic Structures

The costs of industrial waste are, however, counted as part of production costs by producers, so that the waste treatment service of industrial waste is nothing but a basic-commodity (basic service), and affects the wage-profit frontier, insofar as the relevant commodity is basic.

Journal of Economic Structures

Brazil's variety, based on sugar cane, is cheaper than anyone else's and has encouraged a lot of innovation beyond the basic commodity.

The Economist

The sharp rise suggests that PT6 contamination has spread rapidly throughout a basic food commodity; however, the source and food vehicle remain unknown.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Mr Saleh attempted to head off unrest on 23 January by ordering a 50% cut in income tax and control of basic commodity prices.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a basic commodity", ensure the context clearly indicates the item's fundamental importance and widespread availability. For instance, in economics, it refers to goods like agricultural products, fuels, and metals.

Common error

Be specific about what constitutes "a basic commodity" in your context. Avoid using the phrase vaguely; instead, clarify the exact product or resource you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic commodity" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a fundamental and widely available good or resource. Ludwig AI shows its use in various contexts, affirming its role in economic and general discourse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a basic commodity" is a commonly used term to describe essential and widely available goods or resources, as affirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase and is utilized across various fields including news, science, and business. While the phrase itself is grammatically straightforward, specific contexts and clarity are crucial for effective communication. When writing, it's beneficial to avoid overgeneralization, focusing instead on precise commodity specification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential commodity

Replaces 'basic' with 'essential', emphasizing necessity.

a fundamental resource

Shifts from 'commodity' to 'resource', highlighting the foundational nature.

a staple product

Uses 'staple' to indicate a commonly consumed or used item.

a core component

Focuses on the idea that the item is a crucial part of something larger.

an elementary item

Emphasizes the simplicity and fundamental nature of the item.

a primary necessity

Highlights the need for the commodity, using 'necessity'.

a rudimentary supply

Indicates a basic and undeveloped provision.

a standard provision

Uses 'standard' to suggest common availability and use.

a common article

Replaces commodity with article, focuses on widespread use.

a key element

Focuses on the item as an essential part of a system or process.

FAQs

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

You can use "a basic commodity" to refer to essential goods or resources. For example, "Steel is considered "a basic commodity" in manufacturing".

What's an alternative to saying "a basic commodity"?

Alternatives include "an essential commodity", "a staple product", or "a fundamental resource", depending on the specific context.

What are some examples of basic commodities?

Examples of basic commodities include oil, wheat, steel, and cement. These are fundamental resources used in various industries.

Is there a difference between "a basic commodity" and "a specialized product"?

Yes, "a basic commodity" refers to a widely available, undifferentiated good, while "a specialized product" is a unique item with specific features and a more limited market.