a basic law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic law" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental principle or rule that governs a particular area, often in legal or scientific contexts. Example: "The principle of gravity is a basic law of physics that explains how objects are attracted to one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is a basic law of football.

The Guardian - Sport

There is a basic law of filtration when it comes to English football fans.

The Economist

Macy's forgot a basic law of human nature: Shoppers love a deal.

The New York Times

"Prepare a basic law for this interim period and start the preparations for an election.

The New York Times

And he suggested that a basic law of thermodynamics ruled this out.

The New York Times

Israel annexed East Jerusalem in 1967; in 1980 a basic law declared the city its "eternal, undivided capital".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Because of the Nazis and then the East German secret police, the Stasi, a united Germany endorsed a Basic Law that has strict limits and parliamentary oversight over the intelligence services.

The New York Times

On Thursday the bill cleared its first vote in the Knesset, and is on its way to becoming a Basic Law of Israel — tantamount to a constitutional amendment.

The New York Times

In 1995, a Basic Law for Science and Technology was voted: research and innovation were established at the core of Japan's institutional system.

Triple Helix

A Basic Law was established so that if the victor for mayor was a Catholic, his deputy should be of the Greek Orthodox community.

Wikipedia

Under the principle of "one country, two systems," Hong Kong (a British colony between 1841 and 1997) is governed by a Basic Law that guarantees a much more liberal set of personal and political freedoms than Chinese citizens enjoy on the mainland, an independent judicial system and financial institutions and, as of 2017, the right to direct suffrage in choosing Hong Kong's chief executive.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a basic law", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a legal statute, a scientific principle, or a fundamental rule in another field. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a basic law" to describe something that is merely a guideline or common practice. Ensure it truly represents a fundamental and established rule.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic law" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a foundational rule, principle, or statute within a specific domain, as illustrated by examples from Ludwig showing it used in contexts ranging from physics to economics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basic law" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to a foundational principle or rule, whether in law, science, or other fields. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and scientific publications. To ensure clarity, always specify the context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "a fundamental law" or "a core principle" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. By understanding its usage patterns and avoiding overgeneralization, writers can effectively incorporate "a basic law" into their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental law

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the law.

a primary law

Highlights the law's importance and precedence.

an elementary law

Focuses on the simplicity and essential nature of the law.

a foundational principle

Shifts the focus to the underlying principle rather than the legal aspect.

a core legal principle

Highlights the legal and central nature of the rule.

a cardinal rule

Emphasizes the importance and inviolability of the rule.

a key statute

Focuses on the law's official and enacted nature.

a main regulation

Highlights the regulatory aspect and importance.

an essential regulation

Emphasizes the necessary nature of a given regulation.

a governing rule

Focuses on the rule's function in controlling or directing something.

FAQs

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

Use "a basic law" to refer to a fundamental principle or rule. For example, "Gravity is "a basic law" of physics."

What can I say instead of "a basic law"?

You can use alternatives like "a fundamental law", "a primary law", or "a foundational principle depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the basic law" instead of "a basic law"?

While both can be correct, "the basic law" often refers to a specific, well-defined law, such as the Basic Law of Hong Kong. "A basic law" is more general and can refer to any fundamental rule.

What's the difference between "a basic law" and "a general rule"?

"A basic law" implies a more fundamental and established principle, often in legal or scientific contexts, while "a general rule" is a broader guideline that may not be as strict or universally applicable.