a basic level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fundamental or introductory standard of something, often in educational or skill-related contexts. Example: "To begin the course, students are expected to have a basic level of understanding of the subject matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sorrentino has a basic level of fluency and verve.

The Guardian - Film

At a basic level, this political isolationism is immoral.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They identify with each other on a basic level".

The New York Times - Travel

The above example is for a basic "level" annuity.

The Guardian - Money

But not even having a basic level of understanding?

The New Yorker

"They just have to improve lives on a basic level".

The New York Times

But on a basic level it starts with empathy.

Columbia University

At a basic level, this is all kind of terrifying.

The New York Times

AT A basic level, everyone knows how to lose weight.

The Economist

"It's just... on a basic level, being witnessed is awful".

Independent

At a basic level we're seeing people take back control of production.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing skills or knowledge, use "a basic level" to clearly indicate the introductory or fundamental understanding required. For example, "Applicants should have a basic level of proficiency in data analysis."

Common error

Avoid using "a basic level" when describing advanced skills. It can undermine the intended message if the context requires expertise, leading to misinterpretations about the required competencies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic level" functions as a noun phrase that typically modifies another noun, indicating the degree or extent of something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig showcase its usage in various contexts, describing fundamental understanding, service, or skills.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basic level" is a commonly used phrase to denote a fundamental or introductory standard of something, often in the context of skills, knowledge, or service. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, from news articles to academic papers. To ensure clarity, use it to explicitly define minimum requirements or expectations, but avoid using it in situations calling for expertise as this would be misleading.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental degree

Replaces "level" with "degree", emphasizing the extent or intensity of something fundamental.

a primary stage

Substitutes "basic" with "primary" and "level" with "stage", focusing on the initial phase of development or understanding.

an introductory standard

Replaces both "basic" and "level" with synonyms conveying the idea of a starting point or initial requirement.

a rudimentary understanding

Emphasizes a simplified or elementary comprehension.

an elementary proficiency

Highlights a foundational skill set or competence.

a bottom rung

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate the lowest position in a hierarchy.

a ground zero

Emphasizes the starting point and the lowest boundary, and it also has strong impact.

a threshold

Highlights the entry boundary, implying a needed degree of something.

a bedrock degree

Focuses on the foundation or base aspect and the extent to which it is developed.

a starting point

Highlights the initial phase or first step in a process.

FAQs

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

You can use "a basic level" to describe a fundamental degree of skill, knowledge, or understanding. For example, "The course requires "a basic level" of computer literacy."

What phrases are similar to "a basic level"?

Similar phrases include "a rudimentary understanding", "an elementary proficiency", or "a fundamental degree". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify "a basic level," or can it be implied?

While sometimes implied, specifying "a basic level" provides clarity, especially when setting expectations for skills or understanding. It avoids ambiguity and ensures everyone has the same understanding of the requirements.

What's the difference between "a basic level" and "an advanced level"?

"A basic level" refers to a fundamental or introductory understanding, while "an advanced level" signifies a high degree of expertise or mastery. Choosing the correct phrase depends on the required proficiency.