a basic notion of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic notion of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a fundamental idea or concept related to a specific topic. Example: "In order to understand the theory, one must first grasp a basic notion of its underlying principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"They were stacked against a basic notion of fairness".

The New York Times

It's a basic notion of warfare: you sue for peace when you have to — when it hurts too much to carry on.

The New Yorker

Though the judges also questioned state officials and proponents of the recall, the tenor of the hearing was set early when one of the panel's most senior members, Judge Alex Kozinski, an appointee of President Ronald Reagan, challenged a basic notion of the civil liberties union's case.

The New York Times

Indeed, intricacies aside, many applicants lack even a basic notion of what proposal writing is all about, what a grant proposal ought to accomplish.

Science Magazine

The adjacency matrix of a finite graph is a basic notion of graph theory.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Huygens refused to define equality of chances as a fundamental presumption of a fair game but derived it instead from what he saw as a more basic notion of an equal exchange.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A pretty basic notion of the interconnectedness of things and ideas: a Jenga tower of knowledge, you can't have the top block without the bottom.

Vice

Doing so would also help serve to elevate the socioeconomic status of more students instead of maintaining social advantages, as some college officials worry is happening.3 Long writes, "There is a basic notion in this country of opportunity: Your parents' income (or lack thereof) should not dictate your station in life".

Science Magazine

Developed toward the end of the 2nd century, after the failure of Bar Kokhba's revolt, this conception is connected with a more basic notion of apocalyptic messianism the belief that the messianic advent is preceded by suffering and catastrophe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To demonstrate this, we will start with a very simple calculus a variant of the Simple Event Calculus by Shanahan (1997) which only incorporates a very basic notion of instantaneous change.

SEP

But its theme is internationalist, a consideration of ways in which the basic notion of a political enemy has changed since the cold war.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a complex topic, start by explaining "a basic notion of" the core idea to build a foundation for further understanding.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical language when explaining "a basic notion of" a concept. Focus on clarity and simplicity to ensure the reader can easily grasp the fundamental idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic notion of" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, often acting as an introductory element to present a foundational concept. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a basic notion of" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to introduce fundamental concepts across various fields. Ludwig AI analysis of existing literature indicates that while not overly frequent, this expression is consistently used in reliable sources such as The New York Times, science publications, and encyclopedias. It serves to provide a preliminary understanding, making it suitable for introducing complex topics in a clear and accessible manner. To enhance clarity, avoid technical jargon and focus on simplicity when explaining "a basic notion of" something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental concept of

This alternative emphasizes the foundational nature of the concept being discussed.

a basic grasp of

This alternative implies a firm understanding or control of something.

a rudimentary understanding of

This alternative implies a more initial or undeveloped grasp of the concept.

an elementary idea of

This alternative suggests a simplified or easily understood concept.

a primary principle of

This alternative shifts the focus to a guiding rule or tenet.

a simple awareness of

This alternative implies a basic recognition or consciousness of something.

a working knowledge of

This alternative refers to the minimal level of understanding required to do something.

a general overview of

This alternative suggests a broad, non-detailed summary of a topic.

a key aspect of

This alternative refers to a particularly important characteristic or element of something.

an initial perception of

This alternative indicates the first impression or understanding of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a basic notion of" to introduce a fundamental idea or concept, as in "Understanding "a basic notion of supply and demand" is crucial for economics students".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "a fundamental concept of", "a rudimentary understanding of", or "an elementary idea of", depending on the context.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "the basic notion of" implies a specific, already defined concept, while "a basic notion of" introduces a general or new concept.

What's the difference between "a basic notion of" and "a comprehensive understanding of"?

"A basic notion of" suggests a simple, introductory level of understanding, while "a comprehensive understanding of" implies a thorough and detailed knowledge of the subject.