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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
basic but major
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "basic but major" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is simple or fundamental yet has significant importance or impact. Example: "The concept of teamwork is basic but major in achieving project success."
✓ Grammatically correct
Clinical interventions in aging
The New York Times - Travel
Wikipedia
DNA Research
WikiHow
Current Opinion in Systems Biology
The New York Times - Arts
The New York Times - Sports
The New York Times
The New York Times - Science
Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training
Applied Water Science
Comprehensive Inorganic Chemistry II From Elements to Applications
EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing
Huffington Post
Vice
Unicef
BMC Health Services Research
The New York Times - Travel
Biointegration of Medical Implant Materials Science and Design
Huffington Post
TechCrunch
Vice
The New York Times
Vice
The New York Times
Forbes
TechCrunch
Catalysis Today
Journal of Cheminformatics
Huffington Post
BMC Health Services Research
Emerging Infectious Diseases
BMC Health Services Research
Environmental Health Perspectives
Environmental Health Perspectives
Dyes and Pigments
The New York Times - Arts
The New York Times
The Guardian
The New York Times
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
One basic but major medical decision is whether or not to perform a coronary angiography, due to unclear benefit associated with revascularization 1 and also higher risk.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
Take a Gray Line tour, on your standard double-decker bus to the standard sites, and you get a basic, but entertaining, orientation to the major city sites.
News & Media
McGill itself outlines scholarship considerations as follows: "Competition for basic and major scholarships is intense at McGill.
Wiki
In principle, four basic and major type AS types have been reported, including exon skipping (ExonS), alternative donor (AltD) or alternative acceptor (AltA) site, and intron retention (IntronR).
Science
These are variations on the basic C Major chord on line one, adding either a high G or a low G.
Wiki
This technological revolution is not restricted to basic science but promises major breakthroughs in medical diagnostics and treatments.
Variety, expression and development result when a composer plays with expectations and introduces ambiguity, letting the music drift to remote pitches and chords that are not part of the basic major or minor scale.
News & Media
The basic agreement between major league owners and players requires that teams pay the cost of injuries.
News & Media
As for the phone companies, Thomas J. Tauke, a lobbyist for Verizon, said that on many basic issues, the major companies "are in the same ballpark".
News & Media
The user's guide, Mr. Motta said, will cover basic information, including major features and instructions for handling typical roadside emergencies.
News & Media
Planes have been using Doppler radar since Hurricane Debby in 1982, and the data has helped increase basic understanding of major storms.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "basic but major" to convey that even seemingly simple elements can have a substantial impact.
Common error
Avoid using "basic but major" when the 'basic' element is actually complex or sophisticated. This can mislead the reader and undermine your message.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "basic but major" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun by emphasizing both its fundamental nature and its significant impact. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
28%
Science
30%
Wiki
15%
Less common in
Formal & Business
6%
Encyclopedias
2%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "basic but major" is used to describe something that is fundamental yet carries significant importance or impact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, though its usage is relatively rare. It's often found in news and scientific contexts, emphasizing the critical nature of seemingly simple elements. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the foundational nature of the 'basic' aspect and its consequential impact. Alternatives like "fundamental yet significant" or "simple but crucial" can be considered based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
fundamental yet significant
Replaces 'basic' with 'fundamental' and 'major' with 'significant', focusing on importance.
simple but crucial
Substitutes 'basic' with 'simple' and 'major' with 'crucial', highlighting the essential nature.
elementary but vital
Uses 'elementary' instead of 'basic' and 'vital' instead of 'major', emphasizing necessity.
foundational but critical
Replaces 'basic' with 'foundational' and 'major' with 'critical', stressing the importance of the base.
core yet substantial
Substitutes 'basic' with 'core' and 'major' with 'substantial', maintaining the essence of importance.
essential though rudimentary
Inverts the order, emphasizing the fundamental nature despite simplicity.
primary but consequential
Uses 'primary' instead of 'basic' and 'consequential' instead of 'major', highlighting the result.
foundational yet impactful
Replaces 'basic' with 'foundational' and 'major' with 'impactful', highlighting influence.
key although understated
Emphasizes that something is important despite appearing insignificant.
simple but profound
Substitutes 'basic' with 'simple' and 'major' with 'profound', highlighting deep significance.
FAQs
How can I use "basic but major" in a sentence?
Use "basic but major" to describe something that is fundamental yet has a significant impact. For example, "Understanding customer needs is a "basic but major" component of successful marketing".
What are some alternatives to "basic but major"?
You can use alternatives like "fundamental yet significant", "simple but crucial", or "elementary but vital" depending on the context.
Is it always appropriate to use "basic but major"?
While grammatically correct, "basic but major" is most effective when the contrast between simplicity and importance is clear. Avoid using it when the 'basic' element is inherently complex.
What's the difference between "basic but major" and "simple yet important"?
The phrase "basic but major" suggests that something is fundamental but with significant consequences. The phrase "simple yet important", on the other hand, indicates that something is not complicated but still holds value.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested