a basic overview

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic overview" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to introduce a general summary or a brief explanation of a topic, concept, or situation. Example: "Before diving into the details, let me give you a basic overview of the company's history and current operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Science A basic overview of planets, plants, and different animal species.

The New Yorker

This has been a basic overview of spray booths.

Metal Finishing

We present here a basic overview of the three stages of devices which comprise Kitchen Sync.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This workshop will provide a basic overview of XSLT as a declarative programming language.

Yale University

Figure 1: A basic overview of glucose metabolism in human cells.

Harvard University

The chapter provides a basic overview of the Microchip microcontroller devices.

Programming PIC Microcontrollers with PICBASIC

A basic overview of the options available at the Digital Humanities Center for creating electronic texts and images.

Columbia University

This introductory article offers a basic overview of male reproduction, specifically the anatomy and physiology of the male reproductive system.

Comprehensive Toxicology

This chapter provides a basic overview of ecology with emphasis on terrestrial and aquatic (both freshwater and marine) ecosystems.

Forensic Plant Science

This introductory chapter offers a basic overview of male reproduction, specifically the anatomy and physiology of the male reproductive system.

Comprehensive Toxicology

This chapter discusses the programmer's model and a basic overview of the memory map and exceptions of Cortex-M0 processor.

The Definitive Guide to the ARM Cortex-M0

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a basic overview" to provide context before delving into more complex or detailed aspects of a topic.

Common error

Avoid presenting a superficial summary as an exhaustive analysis. Ensure the content aligns with the "basic overview" designation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic overview" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a direct object or subject complement. It introduces a summary or general introduction to a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

Academia

35%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basic overview" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce a summary or introductory explanation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a common way to set the stage for a deeper dive into a subject across various domains. Predominantly found in science, academia, and news media, it serves to inform and orient readers. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by stating the scope and limitations of the overview. Consider alternatives like "an introductory summary" or "a general outline" to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an introductory summary

Focuses on the introductory nature of the information, emphasizing its role as a starting point.

a general outline

Highlights the structural aspect, suggesting a simplified plan or framework.

a brief introduction

Emphasizes the conciseness of the presented information.

a rudimentary explanation

Stresses the simplicity and fundamental nature of the explanation.

an elementary account

Similar to 'rudimentary explanation', but perhaps slightly more formal.

a simple rundown

More informal, suggesting a quick and easy-to-understand summary.

a foundational understanding

Highlights the base knowledge required to understand more complex topics.

a bird's-eye view

Implies a high-level, comprehensive perspective.

a sketch of

Suggests an incomplete or initial representation of the topic.

an initial perspective

Focuses on the role as the first way of thinking, suggesting the possibility of subsequent information.

FAQs

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

You can use "a basic overview" to introduce a summary or introduction. For example, "This chapter provides "a basic overview" of the key concepts."

What are some alternatives to "a basic overview"?

Some alternatives to "a basic overview" include "an introductory summary", "a general outline", or "a brief introduction".

Is it correct to say "a basic overview" or should I use a different phrase?

"A basic overview" is a correct and commonly used phrase. Its suitability depends on the context, but it is generally appropriate for introducing a simple explanation.

When should I use "a basic overview" instead of a more detailed explanation?

Use "a basic overview" when you want to provide a general understanding of a topic without going into intricate details. It's useful when the audience needs a high-level perspective before diving deeper.