a basic concept of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic concept of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing or explaining a fundamental idea or principle related to a specific subject. Example: "In order to understand the theory, it is essential to grasp a basic concept of quantum mechanics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

But these enigmas arise in the first place only because he begins with such a basic concept of human motive.

The New Yorker

He has a basic concept of each one in mind, he said during a brief interview after the concert.

The New York Times - Arts

They may well be something some time but for the present they seem most at war with a basic concept of how you build a team.

Independent

Over the years, Mr. Sharon has outlined a basic concept of a peace deal, but it is a far cry from what the Palestinians were discussing with his predescessor.

The New York Times

After students completed their calculations, I encouraged them to alter the water levels and discover how they affected other cities to gain a basic concept of rate of change.

The New York Times

The fact that the transit agency needed to wage an advertising campaign to remind people of a basic concept of physics -- that two bodies cannot occupy the same space at the same time -- says something about the incredibly crowded conditions that prevail in the subway system.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Distance is a basic concept in the domain of animal species motion.

Ecological Modelling

It's a basic concept, and it makes all kinds of sense.

The New York Times - Arts

Limited space is a feature and the basic concept of a GSDS.

Journal of Cheminformatics

As typically proposed, such a system would tax individuals based on their wages at a single rate, thereby retaining the basic concept of an income tax, while imposing what amounts to a single-rate value-added tax on businesses.

The New York Times

This section will provide a discussion of the basic concept of single distribution resampling.

Journal of Big Data

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a complex subject, start by explaining "a basic concept of" it to ensure your audience has a solid foundation before diving into more advanced topics.

Common error

Avoid overwhelming your audience with excessive details when introducing "a basic concept of" something. Focus on clarity and simplicity to ensure they grasp the fundamental idea before moving on to more complex aspects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic concept of" functions as a noun phrase used to introduce a fundamental idea or principle. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it sets the stage for explaining essential elements within a specific domain, whether it's science, technology, or even team building.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basic concept of" serves as a vital tool for introducing fundamental ideas across various domains. As validated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in both neutral and formal contexts, particularly within science, news media, and wiki environments. When writing, it’s crucial to prioritize clarity and avoid overwhelming the audience with excessive details, thus ensuring they grasp the core idea effectively. By using related phrases and avoiding common errors, writers can enhance their communication and ensure their message is well-received.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental understanding of

Emphasizes a deeper, more essential level of understanding.

a rudimentary grasp of

Suggests a basic, initial level of comprehension.

an elementary knowledge of

Highlights a simple and introductory level of knowledge.

a general idea of

Implies a less detailed or precise understanding.

a working knowledge of

Focuses on the practical understanding needed to perform tasks.

a primary notion of

Underscores the initial or foundational aspect of a concept.

a simple awareness of

Indicates a basic level of recognition or consciousness about something.

an initial introduction to

Focuses on the first encounter with a subject or concept.

a starting point for understanding

Highlights the role of the concept as a base for further learning.

a surface level overview of

Implies a quick, not very deep exploration of a concept.

FAQs

How can I use "a basic concept of" in a sentence?

You can use "a basic concept of" to introduce fundamental ideas. For example, "Understanding "a basic concept of thermodynamics" is crucial for engineering students."

What are some alternatives to saying "a basic concept of"?

Alternatives include "a fundamental understanding of", "a rudimentary grasp of", or "an elementary knowledge of", depending on the context.

What is the difference between "a basic concept of" and "a clear concept of"?

"A basic concept of" refers to a foundational idea, while "a clear concept of" implies a thorough and well-defined understanding. The former is about initial understanding, the latter about comprehensive knowledge.

Is it better to say "basic concepts" or "a basic concept of"?

Use "basic concepts" when referring to multiple fundamental ideas. Use "a basic concept of" when introducing a singular, fundamental idea within a broader topic.