basic common sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basic common sense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to fundamental reasoning or judgment that is generally accepted as obvious or straightforward. Example: "It's basic common sense to look both ways before crossing the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's basic common sense," Conley told me.

The New Yorker

For Mackay, today's radical feminism amounts to basic common sense.

The Guardian

Mr. Bush's "Star Wars" plans lack basic common sense.

The New York Times

But it is also suffused with a basic common sense.

The New York Times - Tech

It is unjust, unfair, but above all, it defies basic common sense.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many measures taken in Manzanillo and other ports involved basic common sense.

The New York Times

That seems to be such basic common sense it's amazing it had to be written down.

The Guardian - Opinion

Two, the need for some basic common sense regarding auditor independence.

The New York Times

This is not a grubby concession to dark forces but basic common sense.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's the most basic, common-sense stuff.

The New York Times

Galperin's report outlines several basic, common-sense policies to ensure that tax breaks are necessary and that developers deliver on promised jobs and economic benefits.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "basic common sense", ensure that the situation you're describing truly relies on universally understood principles rather than specialized knowledge or subjective opinions.

Common error

Avoid using "basic common sense" as a lazy justification without providing clear reasoning. Always articulate the logical steps or underlying principles that make something seem obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic common sense" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a type of reasoning or understanding that is fundamental and widely accessible. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in diverse contexts to emphasize the obviousness or simplicity of a concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

12%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "basic common sense" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe fundamental reasoning that is widely understood. As evidenced by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts. While generally correct, avoid using it as a substitute for articulating the actual reasoning. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness, highlighting its role in persuading, explaining, or justifying actions by appealing to universally understood principles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plain good sense

Uses "good sense" instead of "common sense", adding a slightly more positive connotation.

simple reasoning

Emphasizes the straightforward nature of the thought process.

rudimentary sense

Focuses on the rudimentary, or basic, nature of the understanding.

fundamental logic

Focuses on the logical aspect of the idea, emphasizing reasoning.

everyday logic

Highlights the daily applicability of the reasoning involved.

sound judgment

Stresses the quality of decision-making based on understanding.

ordinary wisdom

Underscores the ordinariness and accessibility of the concept.

elementary prudence

Replaces "common sense" with "prudence", highlighting caution and foresight.

clear thinking

Emphasizes the clarity and lucidity of the thought process.

practical wisdom

Elevates the concept to a more profound understanding, implying experience and discernment.

FAQs

How can I use "basic common sense" in a sentence?

You can use "basic common sense" to describe decisions or actions that are logical and easily understood. For example, "It's "basic common sense" to save money for unexpected expenses."

What's a good alternative to "basic common sense"?

Alternatives include "simple reasoning", "sound judgment", or "fundamental logic" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "basic common sense" redundant?

While "common sense" alone can often suffice, ""basic common sense"" emphasizes the fundamental and universally understood nature of the principle being discussed. It adds a layer of clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "basic common sense" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight that a particular action or decision stems from straightforward logic and principles that most people would readily grasp, as opposed to specialized knowledge or complex reasoning.