at its most basic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its most basic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the simplest or most fundamental form of something. Example: "At its most basic, the theory suggests that all matter is made up of tiny particles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But, at its most basic, it's really common sense.

Science Magazine

At its most basic, it can be used to reduce stress and increase positive emotions [ 6].

BMC Medical Education

It's sensuality at its most basic level".

The New York Times

It involved photography at its most basic level: point and shoot.

The New York Times - Arts

At its most basic level, it's really just one giant chat room.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's capitalism at its most basic".

Forbes

At its most basic, I think it's the fact that Ibsen is both ancient and modern.

The Guardian

It's self-determination at its most basic.

Huffington Post

It's supply and demand at its most basic.

Vice

At its most basic, comfort television also does exactly what it says on the tin.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

At its most basic, food keeps us alive.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at its most basic" to simplify complex topics for a broader audience. It helps to convey fundamental concepts without getting bogged down in details.

Common error

While useful for simplification, avoid overusing "at its most basic" in formal academic or professional writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language when addressing expert audiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its most basic" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or clause, providing a simplified or fundamental perspective on a topic. Ludwig examples showcase its use in introducing core concepts across various subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at its most basic" is a versatile tool for simplifying complex subjects, as highlighted by Ludwig. It functions as a prepositional phrase to introduce fundamental concepts across various domains, with a strong presence in news and media. While grammatically sound and widely used, consider more precise language in formal academic or scientific contexts. The Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and utility, offering alternatives like "in essence" and "fundamentally" for varied expression. Use "at its most basic" to make information accessible, but be mindful of your audience and the level of detail required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in its simplest form

This phrase emphasizes simplicity and lack of complexity.

fundamentally

This adverb highlights the basic or essential aspect of something.

at the core

This highlights the central or most important element.

at the lowest level

This alternative expresses the most fundamental or bottom-level aspect of something.

in essence

This phrase emphasizes the core or fundamental nature of something, often used to simplify a complex idea.

at the foundational level

Highlights the groundwork and basis upon which something is built.

at the heart of the matter

This alternative stresses the most crucial and central aspect of a situation or subject.

in its bare bones

Emphasizes the stripped-down, essential components.

in its rudimentary form

Highlights the initial, undeveloped stage of something.

in its elementary stage

Focuses on the starting phase and rudimentary characteristics.

FAQs

How can I use "at its most basic" in a sentence?

You can use "at its most basic" to introduce a simplified explanation of a concept. For example, "At its most basic, democracy is a system of government where citizens elect their leaders."

What are some alternatives to "at its most basic"?

You can use alternatives like "in essence", "fundamentally", or "in its simplest form" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "at its most basic" or "at its most fundamental"?

Both "at its most basic" and "at its most fundamental" are correct and can be used interchangeably in many cases. However, "at its most basic" may imply a greater degree of simplification than "at its most fundamental".

What does "at its most basic level" mean?

"At its most basic level" is another way to phrase "at its most basic", emphasizing that you're referring to the most fundamental or elementary aspect of something.