a basic form of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic form of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a simplified or fundamental version of something. Example: "Yoga is a basic form of exercise that promotes flexibility and relaxation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Dogs display a basic form of empathy when they behave like this, Dr Palagi maintains.

Independent

IF YOU thought coral was just a basic form of rather pretty underwater life, think again.

The Economist

Helping someone in a tough race — or even appearing to lend support — is a basic form of political trading.

The New York Times

And he used a technique known as "blotted-line" drawing, a basic form of printmaking that foretold his fascination with silk-screens.

The New York Times - Arts

In recent decades tavy, a basic form of slash-and-burn farming practised by the rural poor, has helped destroy 90percentnt of Madagascar's forests.

The Guardian - Travel

Since sugar is a basic form of energy in food, a sweet tooth was adaptive in ancient times, when food was limited.

The New York Times

To ensure observance of restrictive signals, a basic form of automatic train control has been used by many major railroads since the 1920s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the heart of its economy was the colleganza, a basic form of joint-stock company created to finance a single trade expedition.

The New York Times

In fact you don't need any additional technology at all to enjoy a basic form of VR – both Facebook and YouTube offer native 360-degree video formats that you can explore by moving your phone around the room.

The Guardian

Generally speaking, labor unions practice a basic form of democracy in which the membership or the elected executive committee -- or both -- vote on officers as well as contracts born of negotiations with management.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some economists argue that what the poor really need, if they are to manage their cash better, is savings.CARE International, a charity, began a novel scheme in Niger in 1991 to help the poor save a basic form of banking called a village savings and loans association.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a basic form of", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the more complex or advanced versions entail, providing a frame of reference for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a basic form of" in contexts where further elaboration is necessary to prevent misinterpretations or undervaluing the subject being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic form of" functions as a qualifier or descriptor, indicating that the noun phrase it precedes is a simple, fundamental, or rudimentary version of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basic form of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce something fundamental or rudimentary, making it accessible for explanation or further development. As Ludwig AI states, it’s a correct and widely usable phrase, common in science, news, and encyclopedic contexts. When employing "a basic form of", ensure that you're providing sufficient context for your audience to grasp what advanced forms might entail and avoid oversimplification when discussing complex topics. Remember that this phrase is helpful for explaining topics in simplified terms but may require further information to prevent misunderstanding or undervaluing the topic being presented.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental type of

Emphasizes the essential nature of something, focusing on its underlying principles.

a simple kind of

Highlights the ease and lack of complexity in the nature of something.

an elementary version of

Stresses that it is an initial or early stage in development.

a primary sort of

Focuses on the idea that something is initial or the most important aspect.

a rudimentary example of

Highlights the underdeveloped or simplified nature of something serving as an example.

a foundational element of

Emphasizes its role as the bedrock or base upon which something else is built.

a starting point for

Highlights its position as the initiation or commencement of something.

a basic component of

Stresses its role as one of the key elements in something more complex.

a lower level of

Highlights its position within a hierarchy, indicating a lesser degree or intensity.

an initial stage of

Focuses on being the beginning or first phase.

FAQs

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

You can use "a basic form of" to introduce a simplified or fundamental version of something. For example, "Yoga is "a basic form of" exercise that promotes flexibility and relaxation."

What phrases are similar to "a basic form of"?

Alternatives include "a fundamental type of", "a simple kind of", or "an elementary version of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a basic form of"?

It's appropriate when you want to introduce an elementary or foundational aspect of something that can be further developed or understood in more complex terms. For example: "arithmetic is "a basic form of" mathematics."

Is "a basic form of" too simplistic for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider whether a more precise term might be more suitable in formal contexts. Using alternatives like "a fundamental element of" or "a foundational aspect of" can add sophistication.