a basic division

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic division" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a fundamental categorization or separation of concepts, ideas, or items. Example: "In mathematics, a basic division of numbers is essential for understanding more complex operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Agentialism is committed to a basic division between two classes of attitudes: avowable, reasons-sensitive attitudes, and reasons-insensitive attitudes.

SEP

Within Callithrix, we confirm a basic division between the Atlantic forest species (C. jacchus group) and the Amazonian species (including C. pygmaea, which until about 10 years ago was usually placed in a separate genus, Cebuella [ 11]).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Behind that dispute lurks a more basic division.

The New York Times

What has blighted that whole process has been a very basic division over definitions - who is rich and who is poor?

BBC

Beset by a stalemate that has seen off nine governments since 2006, the basic division revolves around a struggle for power between the elected National Assembly and a Cabinet appointed by the Emir.

BBC

Such a classification may serve as the basic division of the territory for use in research or in planning and land management efforts.

Applied Geography

The basic division is between junmai-shu, a pure brew of rice and water, and jozo-shu, which has some additional alcohol; jozo-shu is the ordinary light table sake of Japan, but junmai-shu has more depth and will give a better sense of the flavor of the wine.

The New York Times - Food

It presents a politics of consensus while ignoring the fact of basic division...If Obama hopes to save his party and to address the interests and experiences of working-class citizens, he will have to challenge the hegemony of the professional and with it the closing of the American dream".

Huffington Post

(I was always a bigger fan of Sub-Zero than Scorpion, and right there is your basic division of MK fandom).

Vice

The basic division in Ottoman society was the traditional Middle Eastern distinction between a small ruling class of Ottomans (Osmanlı) and a large mass of subjects called rayas (reʿâyâ).

Encyclopedia Britannica

They have kept that basic division of labor ever since.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a basic division", ensure the context clearly defines the criteria upon which the division is based.

Common error

Avoid using "a basic division" when a more nuanced or detailed categorization is necessary for clarity or accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic division" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes a fundamental separation or categorization. The examples show its use in various contexts to introduce a primary distinction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basic division" is a noun phrase used to denote a fundamental separation or categorization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedic entries. While related phrases like "a fundamental distinction" or "a primary classification" offer alternatives, "a basic division" provides a clear and straightforward way to introduce an initial framework for understanding complex subjects. When using this phrase, clarity in defining the division criteria is crucial to avoid oversimplification. Despite its relative infrequency, its clear meaning and wide applicability make it a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a basic categorization

Focuses on sorting items into groups based on shared characteristics.

a fundamental distinction

Emphasizes the importance and underlying nature of the separation.

a primary classification

Highlights the act of categorizing into main groups.

a key differentiation

Focuses on the differences that set apart distinct entities.

a central dichotomy

Suggests a division into two mutually exclusive categories.

a main segregation

Implies a clear separation into distinct groups or parts.

a core separation

Highlights the essential nature of the dividing line.

an elementary partitioning

Indicates a simple, initial act of dividing something.

a rudimentary segmentation

Suggests a basic level of dividing something into segments.

a simple breakdown

Emphasizes the ease and clarity of the division.

FAQs

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

You can use "a basic division" to describe a fundamental separation or categorization. For instance, "A basic division in philosophy is between idealism and materialism."

What's a good substitute for "a basic division"?

Alternatives include "a fundamental distinction", "a primary classification", or "a key differentiation" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a basic division" or "a fundamental division"?

"A fundamental division" often implies a more significant or impactful separation, while "a basic division" suggests a simpler, more foundational categorization. The best choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Can "a basic division" be used in scientific writing?

Yes, "a basic division" is suitable for scientific writing when describing fundamental categorizations or separations within a field of study. For example, "A basic division in biology is between prokaryotes and eukaryotes."