basic elements

USAGE SUMMARY

"basic elements" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the fundamentals of a subject or concept. For example, "The basic elements of a balanced diet include fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean proteins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Three basic elements are spurring growth.

The New York Times

The financing plan has two basic elements.

The New York Times

What are the basic elements of curling?

The New York Times

But all the tales contain a few basic elements.

The New York Times - Arts

His music transmutes basic elements into profound incantations.

The New York Times

It's more than the basic elements of casts and scripts.

The New York Times

A good rule would have four basic elements.

The New York Times

The basic elements of lotteries are usually quite simple.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Basic elements of a functioning government are lacking.

The New York Times

There were two basic elements to his moment.

The New York Times

I've told our employees, you have to dissolve yourself back to your basic elements.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "basic elements" to structure your explanation or analysis, creating clear sections for each fundamental component.

Common error

Avoid assuming that your audience already understands the "basic elements". Always define them explicitly to prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic elements" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, referring to the fundamental components or aspects of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and broad application across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "basic elements" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that refers to the foundational components or aspects of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its broad usability. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you are explicitly defining these elements for your audience to avoid misunderstandings. Consider alternatives like "essential components" or "fundamental aspects" for variety. Remember to avoid redundancy by not over-qualifying "basic".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential components

Focuses on the necessary parts or ingredients of something.

fundamental aspects

Highlights the underlying and crucial features.

core principles

Emphasizes the foundational rules or beliefs.

key ingredients

Implies the critical components needed for a specific outcome.

building blocks

Suggests the foundational units used to construct something.

primary constituents

Refers to the main substances or elements that make up something.

underlying factors

Focuses on the elements that contribute to a situation or phenomenon.

necessary conditions

Highlights the requirements that must be present or fulfilled.

indispensable qualities

Emphasizes the essential characteristics that cannot be done without.

cornerstones

Highlights fundamental and essential qualities on which something is based or depends.

FAQs

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

You can use "basic elements" to refer to the fundamental parts or aspects of something, as in, "The "basic elements" of a good story include plot, character, and setting."

What are some synonyms for "basic elements"?

Alternatives to "basic elements" include "essential components", "fundamental aspects", or "core principles" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very basic elements"?

While not strictly incorrect, saying "very "basic elements"" can be redundant since "basic" already implies a fundamental level. Consider using "essential elements" or simply "basic elements" for clarity.

What's the difference between "basic elements" and "key features"?

"Basic elements" refers to the foundational parts, while "key features" highlights the most important or notable aspects, which may or may not be the most fundamental.