a basic ingredient of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic ingredient of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing essential components or elements that are fundamental to a particular subject, recipe, or concept. Example: "Water is a basic ingredient of many chemical reactions that occur in nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The use of barley in animal feed is increasing; it has been a basic ingredient of pig foods for years and is increasingly used for cattle feed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Flour, finely ground cereal grains or other starchy portions of plants, used in various food products and as a basic ingredient of baked goods.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In America, one might point to the Living Theatre, but even that uninhibited collective did not consistently use the aggression, even the violence — one character beating up on another — that, to many, is a basic ingredient of physical theatre.

The New Yorker

The projection of attitude (with a capital A) is a basic ingredient of hip-hop performance, and it's one reason rappers seem able to make the transition from music to movies far more easily than their rock-and-roll forerunners.

The New York Times

In America, one might point to the Living Theatre, but even that uninhibited collective did not consistently use the aggression, even the violence one character beating up on another that, to many, is a basic ingredient of physical theatre.

The New Yorker

The show, which was on the air for thirty-seven years, was created and produced by Edgar Scherick and Roone Arledge, telecommunications visionaries who grasped a basic ingredient of male psychology, which is that, no matter what kind of contest you put on the screen, men will say, "Wait a second.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Using the techniques of ecological simulation modeling as well as cultural and historical analysis, Lansing argues that the symbolic system of temple rituals is not merely a reflection of utilitarian constraints but also a basic ingredient in the organization of production.

Princeton University

For years it had been a basic ingredient in blended honeys because of its sweetness and cheapness; now packers worldwide switched to Argentine, Mexican and east-European honey.

The Guardian

The town's beer heritage is an important factor: the basic ingredient of the spread is yeast sludge, a waste product left over from brewing beer, and there were once 30 breweries in the surrounding area.

The Guardian - Business

The fishing line forms the basic ingredient of an eruv, a symbolic enclosure within which Orthodox Jews are exempted from one of the stricter rules of the Sabbath: the ban on carrying anything in public.

The New York Times

Chief among these is arsenic, which is still the basic ingredient of a variety of weed and insect killers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a basic ingredient of", ensure that the ingredient you are referring to is indeed fundamental and essential to the subject you are discussing. Avoid using it for components that are merely supplementary or optional.

Common error

Avoid using "a basic ingredient of" when describing elements that are not truly essential. Overusing this phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing seem less precise. Instead, opt for terms like 'component' or 'element' when discussing less critical parts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic ingredient of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that something is a fundamental and necessary component. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a basic ingredient of" is a grammatically correct and semantically clear way to express that something is a fundamental component or element. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, though it appears more frequently in news, science, and encyclopedic content. While alternatives like "a fundamental element of" or "an essential component of" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use the phrase when the ingredient is genuinely fundamental, avoiding overuse to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a primary ingredient of

Focuses on the element being a main component, slightly emphasizing its importance over just being basic.

a fundamental element of

Highlights the element's role as a foundation, stressing its essential nature for the existence or functionality of something.

an essential component of

Emphasizes that the component is necessary and indispensable.

a key aspect of

Shifts the focus to the element being a notable feature, suggesting it is important for understanding or considering something.

a vital part of

Highlights the component's importance for the viability or proper functioning of something.

a core element of

Stresses the component's central and intrinsic nature.

an integral part of

Indicates the component is necessary for completeness; removing it would significantly affect the whole.

a building block of

Emphasizes the component's role in constructing or creating something larger or more complex.

a cornerstone of

Highlights the element's importance as a foundational aspect on which something else depends.

a critical factor of

Focuses on the component being a decisive element influencing an outcome or situation.

FAQs

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

Use "a basic ingredient of" to describe something fundamental or essential to a particular context. For example, "Communication is "a basic ingredient of" any successful relationship."

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

You can use alternatives like "a fundamental element of", "an essential component of", or "a key aspect of" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "basic ingredient in" or "basic ingredient of"?

"Basic ingredient of" is generally more appropriate when referring to a larger system or concept. "Basic ingredient in" is often used in the context of recipes or mixtures. For instance, "Flour is "a basic ingredient in" bread", versus "Trust is "a basic ingredient of" a strong partnership."

When is it not appropriate to use the phrase "a basic ingredient of"?

Avoid using "a basic ingredient of" when referring to something that is merely supplementary or optional. It's best reserved for elements that are absolutely essential to the subject being discussed.