basic competence

USAGE SUMMARY

"basic competence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the standard or level of ability or knowledge that is expected of someone. For example: "The job requires a basic competence in computer programming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's more of a basic competence.

The New York Times

Many have come to question his basic competence.

The New York Times

All applicants must demonstrate a basic competence in English.

The Guardian

But Western analysts say that image is now in doubt amid rising questions of basic competence.

The New York Times

Then Iraq made me incandescent, and subsequent leaders sad for a want of vision and basic competence.

The Guardian

Iraq, Jack Abramoff, overspending, and Katrina have undermined the public's confidence in the GOP's prudence and basic competence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Forty percent of the country's 15-year olds are unable to reach basic competence in mathematic literacy (pdf).

The New York Times

In Atlanta, Kathy Ashe, a Democratic state representative, said that the fight had undermined her belief in Washington's basic competence.

The New York Times

Since 2007, the New Orleans schools have doubled the percentage of students scoring at basic competence levels or above.

The New York Times

Austria, for their part, can be concerned about the figure they might cut in that event when basic competence is yet to be achieved.

The Guardian - Sport

At thirty-nine, Don, Jr., is old enough to conduct himself with basic integrity or, barring that, with basic competence in his plans to deceive.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing required qualifications, use "basic competence" to indicate a necessary, but not advanced, level of skill. For example, "The role requires a "basic competence" in data analysis".

Common error

Avoid using "basic competence" when describing advanced skill levels. "Basic competence" implies a foundational understanding, not mastery. For example, stating that a neurosurgeon possesses "basic competence" in surgery is a misrepresentation of their skill level.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic competence" functions as a noun phrase, where 'basic' modifies 'competence'. It describes a fundamental level of ability or skill necessary for a particular task or role. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "basic competence" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a fundamental level of skill or knowledge. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business. While it signifies a necessary level of proficiency, it should not be confused with expertise or advanced skills. Remember to use it when defining the minimum requirements for a task or role, and explore alternatives like "essential competence" or "rudimentary competence" for nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential competence

Emphasizes the necessity of the competence.

rudimentary competence

Highlights the fundamental or underdeveloped nature of the competence.

primary competence

Focuses on the competence as a main or initial skill.

vital competence

Stresses the critical importance of having this competence.

basic capability

Shifts the focus from competence to a general ability.

basic capacity

Highlights the inherent potential to perform.

basic expertise

Suggests a level of specialized knowledge or skill.

basic power

Emphasizes the ability to exert influence or control.

basic skill

Directly refers to a learned ability.

basic ability

Refers to a natural or acquired skill.

FAQs

How can I use "basic competence" in a sentence?

You can use "basic competence" to describe a required level of skill or knowledge, as in: "The job requires "basic competence" in Microsoft Office".

What are some alternatives to "basic competence"?

You can use alternatives like "essential competence", "rudimentary competence", or "basic skill" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "basis competence" instead of "basic competence"?

No, "basis competence" is not the correct term. The correct phrase is "basic competence", which refers to a foundational level of skill or knowledge.

What's the difference between "basic competence" and "core competence"?

"Basic competence" refers to a fundamental level of skill, whereas "core competence" signifies a central and essential capability of an organization or individual.