a basic wage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic wage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the minimum or fundamental level of pay for a job or position. Example: "The company offers a basic wage that meets the legal requirements for all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

This is an age of "needs must" in which Premier League West Ham United have signed a striker on loan from Middlesbrough (Mido) on a basic wage of just £1,000 a week.

The Guardian - Sport

$10.10 per day is a basic wage in my country.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

She paid herself a basic wage and banked the rest of her earnings.

The Guardian

Barcelona are to pay their most important player a basic wage worth more than £1m a week.

The Times

The Teamsters have been demanding a basic wage in crease of 75percentnt over the next three years.

The New York Times

One of Britain's most exclusive restaurant groups pays some of its waiting staff a basic wage of less than £2 per hour, The Independent has discovered.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

A basic wage-increase pattern had already been established.

The New Yorker

Özil earns a reported basic wage of £140,000 a week but he is seeking a substantial rise to reinforce his status as one of the club's marquee players.

The Guardian - Sport

Such a union at Foxconn would not only be able to negotiate a decent basic wage, it could also foster a sense of community that would help protect the rights and dignity of all employees.

The New York Times

A more radical solution is needed, Ford said, such as a universal basic wage.

The Guardian

Brawn is believed to have offered £4m, but with the freedom to sign personal sponsorship deals – that would not be available at McLaren, which would pay a higher basic wage, but where team sponsors always take priority.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing employment contracts or labor rights, use "a basic wage" to clearly denote the guaranteed minimum earnings before any additions like bonuses or overtime.

Common error

While "a basic wage" refers to the base compensation, it's not necessarily the legal minimum. Ensure clarity by specifying if the "basic wage" meets or exceeds the "minimum wage".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic wage" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies the fundamental level of compensation for a particular job or role. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basic wage" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote the fundamental level of compensation for a job, often excluding bonuses or additional benefits. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, with numerous examples found across reputable news sources, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. When writing about compensation, it is important to ensure clarity regarding the relationship between "a basic wage" and related concepts like "minimum wage" or "living wage". Remember that it's not necessarily the legal minimum.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minimum wage

Refers to the lowest legally permissible hourly wage.

a starting salary

Indicates the initial pay offered for a position, often before any increases or bonuses.

a standard wage

Highlights the typical or expected pay for a given job or industry.

a base salary

Emphasizes the fixed amount of compensation, excluding any additional benefits or incentives.

a fixed income

Denotes a regular and predictable source of earnings.

a guaranteed wage

Focuses on the assurance of receiving a certain level of pay, regardless of performance or other factors.

a living wage

Highlights the sufficiency of the wage to cover basic living expenses.

a subsistence wage

Indicates a wage that barely meets the essential needs for survival.

a flat rate

Implies a consistent and unchanging amount of pay.

an entry-level wage

Specifies the compensation typically offered for beginner positions.

FAQs

How is "a basic wage" different from a salary?

A "basic wage" is the fixed compensation an employee receives, typically calculated hourly or weekly, while a salary is a fixed annual amount. Salary may also include benefits beyond the "basic wage".

What factors influence "a basic wage"?

Factors affecting "a basic wage" include job responsibilities, experience, industry standards, location, and whether it complies with "minimum wage laws".

What's the difference between "a basic wage" and "a living wage"?

"A basic wage" is the standard rate of pay for a job, while "a living wage" is the amount needed to cover essential living expenses in a particular area. A "basic wage" may not always be "a living wage".

What are some synonyms for "a basic wage"?

Alternatives to "a basic wage" include "a starting salary", "a base pay", or "a standard wage", depending on the context.