a basic list of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic list of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a simple or fundamental enumeration of items or concepts. Example: "Here is a basic list of the supplies you will need for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

But I have come away from my inspecting duties with a basic list of dos and don'ts.

The New York Times - Magazine

The EBacc is a general qualification, to be rolled out across secondary schools, that requires pupils to study a basic list of compulsory subjects, including English, maths, the sciences and a language.

The Guardian

DRINKS Like the space itself, nothing too fancy behind the bar: just a basic list of bottled beers at $5, tap beers at $6 and premium brews at $8. Mixed drinks start at $6.

The New York Times

A basic list of government tasks, the Bank reckons, includes establishing a foundation of law, maintaining macroeconomic stability, investing in basic social services and infrastructure as well as protecting the vulnerable and the environment.

The Economist

From a basic list of requirements and many tear sheets I had saved from magazines -- of bookcases, of a bedroom painted Ballroom Blue, of a Greek Revival farmhouse with a U-armed wrought-iron lamp above the door -- Mr. Bers produced a schematic of a tall, central structure with a lower wing and a screened porch set at odd angles to the main house.

The New York Times

A SHORT CHECKLIST Given that Trevor Gay wrote a book called "Simplicity Is the Key" — published in Britain by Kingsham Press in 2004 — it is not surprising that he has come up with a basic list of the differences between good and bad bosses.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

A basic list and overview of your basic all-purpose well-being herbs is listed below:- Garlic:- "Allium sativum" The most important portmanteau herb.

WikiHow

Memorize the basic list of orbitals.

WikiHow

You can find basic lists of supplies at stores such as "Staples".

WikiHow

WINE LIST -- A basic Long Island list of about 40 that starts in the high teens and boasts a bit more diversity than most, including a rarely seen riesling.

The New York Times

Scientific collections housing embryos simply need to provide a basic check list (Figure 5) of SES-characters visible in a specimen (sheet 1 of Table S1 or 2).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a basic list of", ensure that the items listed are genuinely fundamental and easily understood by the intended audience. This sets a clear foundation for further elaboration.

Common error

Avoid including overly specific or niche items in what is intended to be "a basic list of". This defeats the purpose of providing a simple overview and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic list of" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce an enumeration of fundamental items or concepts. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it sets the stage for providing essential information in a clear and accessible manner.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

36%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a basic list of" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to introduce a fundamental enumeration of items or concepts. Ludwig AI affirms its usability across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the list remains genuinely basic to avoid confusing the reader. Alternatives like "a simple inventory of" or "a core set of" can add nuance, while understanding the difference between "a basic list of" and "a comprehensive list of" is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental catalog of

Replaces 'list' with 'catalog', implying a more organized or detailed collection.

a simple inventory of

Substitutes 'basic list' with 'simple inventory', suggesting a straightforward enumeration.

an elementary rundown of

Uses 'elementary rundown' instead of 'basic list', indicating a basic summary.

a primary enumeration of

Replaces 'list' with 'enumeration', giving a more formal tone to the sentence.

an initial compilation of

Substitutes 'basic list' with 'initial compilation', suggesting a preliminary collection of items.

a core set of

Emphasizes the essential nature of the items included, rather than simply listing them.

a condensed summary of

Suggests that the list is not exhaustive but rather a shortened version of a larger set.

a short compendium of

Implies a brief yet comprehensive collection, fitting for a specific topic.

an overview consisting of

Changes the structure to highlight the overview aspect, presenting a summary rather than a mere list.

a thumbnail sketch of

Conveys a quick, simplified representation of something, akin to a brief overview.

FAQs

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

You can use "a basic list of" to introduce fundamental items or concepts. For example, "Here's a basic list of the ingredients you'll need."

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

You can use alternatives like "a simple inventory of", "a fundamental catalog of", or "a primary enumeration of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a basic list of" in formal writing?

Yes, it is acceptable to use "a basic list of" in formal writing, especially when introducing fundamental concepts or items. However, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "a core set of" for added formality.

What is the difference between "a basic list of" and "a comprehensive list of"?

"A basic list of" implies a simplified, fundamental overview, while "a comprehensive list of" suggests a thorough and exhaustive enumeration.