a basic requirement

USAGE SUMMARY

"a basic requirement" is correct and usable in written English.
You are able to use it whenever you need to refer to something that is necessary in order for something else to happen or for a certain standard to be met. For example, "Having a valid driver's license is a basic requirement for getting a job as a delivery driver."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is a basic requirement for being head of TfL.

The Guardian

This should be a basic requirement of future legislation.

The Guardian

Not all the cast can sing, which you would have thought was a basic requirement.

The Guardian

Health is a basic requirement for an individual to lead a good life.

The Guardian - Opinion

In similar vein, and as a basic requirement, the engagement process must be fun.

The Guardian

(The white paper said "loving the country" was a basic requirement for the judiciary).

The Economist

A basic requirement is to pass a budget and keep the government going".

The New York Times

Self-administered tests have become widely accepted, standardized and a basic requirement for any physician who pursues an academic practice".

The New York Times - Health

But the new politics of business leadership also threatens a basic requirement of capitalism: improving shareholder returns.

The New York Times

A basic requirement of breakfast, I'd have thought, but I try it, and am rather taken by this pungent condiment.

The Guardian - Travel

Across the country, blog writing has become a basic requirement in everything from M.B.A. to literature courses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the importance, consider pairing "a basic requirement" with strong verbs like 'is', 'must be', or 'remains'.

Common error

Avoid using "a basic requirement" for self-evident necessities. For example, stating "breathing is a basic requirement for life" is redundant. Instead, focus on less obvious but crucial elements within a specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic requirement" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a condition, element, or quality deemed essential or necessary for a specific purpose or outcome. As supported by Ludwig, the expression is grammatically correct and widely employed across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basic requirement" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote something essential or necessary. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and widespread use across diverse fields, including science, news, and business. When writing, be mindful of the context to avoid stating the obvious. Some effective alternatives include "a fundamental need" or "an essential condition", as these phrases can add nuance while maintaining clarity. Overall, "a basic requirement" serves to underscore the indispensable nature of a particular element for achieving a desired outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental need

Replaces 'requirement' with 'need', emphasizing necessity.

an essential condition

Substitutes 'requirement' with 'condition', highlighting a prerequisite.

a necessary element

Replaces 'requirement' with 'element', focusing on an indispensable part.

a core necessity

Changes 'basic' to 'core' and 'requirement' to 'necessity', intensifying the importance.

a key prerequisite

Substitutes 'requirement' with 'prerequisite', emphasizing a prior condition.

a crucial component

Replaces 'requirement' with 'component', highlighting an essential part of a whole.

an integral part

Shifts the focus to something being an inseparable aspect.

a mandatory aspect

Replaces 'requirement' with 'aspect' and 'basic' with 'mandatory', stressing obligation.

an elementary demand

Uses 'demand' instead of 'requirement', altering the tone slightly.

a primary necessity

Replaces 'basic' with 'primary' and 'requirement' with 'necessity', emphasizing the fundamental nature.

FAQs

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

Use "a basic requirement" to indicate something essential for a specific outcome or process. For example, "Literacy is "a basic requirement" for most office jobs".

What are some alternatives to saying "a basic requirement"?

You can use alternatives like "an essential condition", "a fundamental need", or "a key prerequisite" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "a basic requirement"?

It can be redundant if the requirement is already self-evident. Ensure that the requirement you're describing isn't already understood to be necessary.

What's the difference between "a basic requirement" and "a fundamental requirement"?

"A basic requirement" implies something foundational and necessary, while "a fundamental requirement" suggests something even more essential, representing the core foundation upon which everything else depends. The phrase "a fundamental requirement" is a stronger statement.