a basic primer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic primer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an introductory guide or resource that provides fundamental information on a particular subject. Example: "This book serves as a basic primer for anyone looking to understand the principles of economics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

A basic primer on Illinois DUI law.

Cornell University

Let's start with a basic primer.

Cornell University

If Mr. Vitug is trying to educate millennials, then even a basic primer would have helped.

The New York Times

The Convicts Homepage (mypage. direct.ca/b/berzerkr) gives a basic primer on tattoo taxonomy.

The New York Times - Magazine

He provides a basic primer on the research of Kahneman and Tversky, but almost in passing; what is of interest here is the collaboration between two scientists.

The New Yorker

On its Web site, njmls.com, the listing service offers a link to a basic primer on architectural styles.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

We posted an introductory for practitioners at Ecosystem Marketplace, but after talking to some of the newer reporters hanging around the press room, I figured it made sense to take a few minutes to write up a very basic primer that might help you understand other stories coming out of Durban.

Forbes

While newcomers to relativity will probably want to start with a more basic primer on the topic, devotees of physics will find "Was Einstein Right?" a welcome addition to the field - and one that has just enough of a popular touch to set it apart from other studies of the subject, with their heavy emphasis on mathematics.

The New York Times - Books

The law articles, almost all of them written by one man, George Long, M.A., Fellow of Trinity College, while constituting no more than a very basic primer of the subject, are considerably better and more scholarly than the average article on other topics; a fact that William Smith more or less acknowledges in his preface, where Mr. Long's contributions are specially mentioned at some length.

University of Chicago

Below, a basic financial primer for anyone rich and famous.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As that long-winded subtitle suggests, the book blends the back-room revelations of a first-rate political memoir with the no-nonsense advice of a basic investment primer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for an audience unfamiliar with a subject, begin with "a basic primer" to ensure comprehension. This sets a solid foundation for more complex information later on.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience possesses prior knowledge. Always provide "a basic primer" even if you think the information is obvious. It is best to start with the fundamentals and then progressively move toward more complex areas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic primer" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a direct object or subject complement. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase follows standard grammar rules. It introduces a foundational explanation of a topic.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

29%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basic primer" is a commonly used noun phrase that serves as an introduction to a subject, making complex topics accessible to beginners. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While alternatives such as "an introductory guide" or "a beginner's guide" exist, "a basic primer" effectively sets the stage for learning by providing essential foundational information. Remember to consider your audience's existing knowledge and avoid assumptions; always provide a primer if needed to enhance comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an introductory guide

Replaces "primer" with a more general term, focusing on the introductory aspect.

a fundamental overview

Emphasizes the comprehensiveness of the introduction, highlighting essential elements.

an elementary introduction

Highlights the simplicity and accessibility of the introductory material.

a beginner's guide

Specifically targets individuals new to the subject matter.

a simple explanation

Focuses on the clarity and ease of understanding provided.

a crash course

Suggests an intensive and rapid introduction to the topic.

a brief introduction

Emphasizes the conciseness and brevity of the introductory material.

a groundwork explanation

Focuses on establishing a foundation for further learning.

a rudimentary explanation

Indicates that explanation are limited to what is elementary or initial.

a starting point

Implies the beginning of an exploration into a subject.

FAQs

What does "a basic primer" mean?

The phrase "a basic primer" refers to an introductory explanation or guide that covers the fundamental concepts of a particular subject. It's designed to provide newcomers with essential knowledge.

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

You can use "a basic primer" to introduce a topic, like "This article provides "a basic primer" on quantum physics for those new to the field."

What's a good alternative to "a basic primer"?

Alternatives include "an introductory guide", "a fundamental overview", or "a beginner's guide", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a basic primer," since primers are usually introductory?

While primers are generally introductory, specifying "basic" can emphasize that the material covers only the essentials and is designed for complete beginners. It sets expectations appropriately.