at a very basic level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a very basic level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing fundamental concepts or ideas, often to simplify complex topics for better understanding. Example: "At a very basic level, photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And at a very basic level these things really hurt.

The Guardian - Opinion

At a very basic level, writing takes time.

The Guardian - Opinion

At a very basic level an MEP is your representative within the European parliament.

The Guardian

"At a very basic level, people don't know what councillors do," she says.

The Guardian - Money

At a very basic level the GamePad provides a second screen for game stats or maps.

The Guardian - Tech

So at a very basic level, the body had carried that sense memory".

The Guardian

Indeed, much in American politics is, at a very basic level, about race.

The Washington Post

At a very basic level, there are two kinds of drug: branded and generic.

The Guardian

You enjoy – at a very basic level – small objects laid out on a flat table.

Independent

"At a very basic level," Wedeman found, "it appears to have prevented corruption from spiraling out of control".

The New Yorker

I imagine that ultimately, this new government will have to make changes at a very basic level".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a very basic level" to introduce a simplified explanation of a complex topic to ensure clarity for a broad audience. For example: "At a very basic level, blockchain is a distributed ledger system."

Common error

Avoid using "at a very basic level" when the concept being discussed is already self-evidently simple. Overuse can make your writing sound condescending or redundant. For example, avoid saying, "At a very basic level, water is wet."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a very basic level" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by specifying the perspective or level of analysis. It introduces a simplification or fundamental explanation of a topic. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at a very basic level" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce simplified explanations of complex topics. As Ludwig highlights, it appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While generally neutral in tone, it can be replaced with alternatives like "on a fundamental level" or "in its simplest form" depending on the desired level of formality. Use it to clarify complex ideas, but avoid overuse in overly simplistic contexts to maintain clarity and avoid sounding condescending.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a fundamental level

Replaces 'basic' with 'fundamental', emphasizing the core nature of the concept.

in its simplest form

Focuses on the simplicity of the concept being described.

in elementary terms

Highlights the basic, introductory nature of the explanation.

at its core

Emphasizes the central or essential aspect of something.

in rudimentary terms

Similar to 'elementary terms', stressing the foundational aspect.

at the ground level

Implies starting from the very beginning or foundation.

in layman's terms

Suggests explaining something in a way that's easy for non-experts to understand.

to put it simply

Indicates a simplification for clarity.

in essence

Highlights the most important or fundamental aspect.

fundamentally speaking

Focuses on the underlying principles or foundations.

FAQs

How can I use "at a very basic level" in a sentence?

Use "at a very basic level" to introduce a simplified explanation of a concept. For example: "At a very basic level, quantum physics deals with the behavior of matter and energy on an atomic and subatomic level."

What are some alternatives to "at a very basic level"?

You can use alternatives like "on a fundamental level", "in its simplest form", or "in elementary terms" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "at a very basic level" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "at a very basic level" when you want to explain a complex topic in a simplified manner for readers who may not have prior knowledge of the subject. This approach can enhance clarity and understanding.

Is there a difference in formality between "at a very basic level" and its alternatives?

"At a very basic level" is suitable for most contexts. Alternatives like "in layman's terms" are slightly more informal, while "on a fundamental level" might be preferred in more formal or academic writing.