a basic element of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic element of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fundamental or essential part of a larger concept, system, or structure. Example: "Trust is a basic element of any successful relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This is a basic element of maturity that Roger refuses.

The New York Times

So bombing them may also be seen as attacking a basic element of Israeli hopes.

The New York Times

Religion pervades many aspects of life and constitutes a basic element of this diversity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Online treatment upends a basic element of therapeutic connection: eye contact.

The New York Times

The result is significant, according to Microsoft researchers, because sorting is a basic element of many modern computing operations.

The New York Times - Tech

But they found little economic benefit in holding mortgage bonds or Treasuries, a basic element of the Fed's stimulus campaign.

The New York Times

In Mahmood's case it was a basic element of raw pace, always a favourite Fletcher ingredient for his seamers.

Independent

The Brazilian Foreign Ministry has justified the action by citing the principle of reciprocity, which it described as "a basic element of international relations".

The New York Times

But Mr Obama seems to have embraced the charge, arguing that Republicans want to take away a woman's say over a basic element of her health care.

The Economist

In a country where much of the land is below sea level, managing water flow was and remains a basic element of survival.

The New York Times - Travel

"Freedom of speech is important for everybody and is a basic element of democracy," said the political science graduate, surnamed Chou, The Taipei Times reported.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a basic element of" to highlight the fundamental nature of a component or aspect within a larger system or concept. For instance, in explaining a complex theory, identify "a basic element of" the theory to help your audience understand its foundation.

Common error

Avoid using "a basic element of" when a simpler term like "part of" or "aspect of" would suffice. Overusing sophisticated language can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily complex. Choose clarity over complexity where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic element of" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a fundamental or essential part of something. It often acts as a subject complement or a modifier, indicating a necessary component. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a basic element of" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate a fundamental or essential component within a larger system or concept. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its frequency across various domains, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources, highlights its versatility. While alternatives like "a fundamental component of" or "an essential aspect of" exist, the key is to maintain clarity and avoid overuse in contexts where simpler language would suffice. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use this phrase to emphasize the foundational nature of the aspect you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental component of

Replaces "element" with "component", emphasizing the part-whole relationship.

an essential aspect of

Substitutes "element" with "aspect", highlighting a particular feature or characteristic.

a core ingredient of

Uses "ingredient" instead of "element", implying something is mixed or combined.

a key feature of

Replaces "element" with "feature", focusing on a distinguishing characteristic.

an integral part of

Emphasizes the necessary and integrated nature of the element.

a cornerstone of

Uses "cornerstone", suggesting a foundational and indispensable aspect.

a building block of

Implies that the element is a basic unit that is used to build something bigger.

a vital aspect of

Replaces basic with the adjective vital emphasizing that the specific element is fundamental and critically important.

a foundational aspect of

Replaces basic with the adjective foundational emphasizing the relevance as a fundament for a specific matter.

a primary component of

Replaces basic with the adjective primary emphasizing the relevance as a first order component.

FAQs

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

Use "a basic element of" to introduce a foundational or essential component of a larger concept. For example: "Understanding market trends is "a basic element of" successful business planning."

What are some alternatives to "a basic element of"?

Alternatives include "a fundamental component of", "an essential aspect of", or "a key feature of", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "a basic element of the basics"?

Yes, using "a basic element of the basics" is typically redundant. It's better to simply state the basic element directly or rephrase to avoid the repetition. For example, instead of saying "Understanding addition is a basic element of the basics of math", say "Understanding addition is fundamental to mathematics".

How does "a basic element of" differ from "a core principle of"?

"A basic element of" refers to a fundamental part or component, while "a core principle of" refers to a guiding belief or tenet. The former describes a constituent, while the latter describes a foundational idea.