basic essentials

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'basic essentials' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the most basic things needed to live, usually referring to material possessions. For example: "The charity organization provides basic essentials for those who do not have access to them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many basic essentials, like water, sanitation, electricity and especially telephones, are more commonly available.

The New York Times

The rate includes pickup from the airport and basic essentials on arrival.

The Guardian - Travel

The message is that "it doesn't have to be hard to get basic essentials," she says.

The New York Times

But what about the poorest of households, facing a poverty premium for the same basic essentials we all need?

The Guardian

A UK Border Agency spokesperson said the government provided measures to ensure individuals are not left without basic essentials.

The Guardian

In this blissful state we routinely meet, unconcerned about the basic essentials of life that are taken for granted.

Independent

In its largest ever emergency response, Save the Children helps to keep schools running in Syria as well as providing basic essentials and specialist emotional support for children.

The Guardian

Indeed, your article makes it clear that, before his life in an asylum, Hinckley failed to attain basic essentials of independent adult existence.

The New York Times - Magazine

We would exchange goods and services, but the focus would be on basic essentials, not on having 18 varieties of soap.

The New York Times

And on top of all this, supermarket prices of basic essentials, such as eggs, butter, milk and bread are rising rapidly too.

The Guardian - Opinion

A Which? survey last year found, for example, that 400,000 households a month were using payday loans to pay for such basic essentials as food and fuel.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business contexts, when outlining budget constraints or cost-cutting measures, specify which "basic essentials" will be maintained to ensure operational continuity.

Common error

Avoid using "basic essentials" in contexts where the specific items are crucial to understanding the situation. Instead, list the specific items, such as "food, water, and shelter", to provide clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic essentials" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As Ludwig AI points out, it refers to the most fundamental items needed for living.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "basic essentials" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to the fundamental items necessary for survival and well-being. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and appears frequently across various contexts, including news, business, and scientific domains. While alternatives such as "basic necessities" or "essential requirements" exist, "basic essentials" effectively communicates the idea of indispensable items. When using this phrase, ensure that the context is clear and specific to avoid ambiguity. It is very important to avoid overusing it, and consider to specify what are you considering ""basic essentials"" based on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic necessities

A common synonym focusing on fundamental needs for survival.

fundamental needs

Focuses on the necessity aspect more directly.

essential requirements

Emphasizes the required nature of the items.

life's essentials

Emphasizes the importance of these items for living.

necessary provisions

Highlights the act of providing what is needed.

indispensable items

Stresses that the items are crucial and cannot be done without.

core requirements

Highlights the central importance of these requirements.

required resources

Focuses on the resources needed to meet basic needs.

fundamental supplies

Highlights the act of supplying essential items.

vital commodities

Emphasizes the commercial aspect of essential goods.

FAQs

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

You can use "basic essentials" to describe fundamental necessities. For instance, "The aid package included "basic essentials" like food, water, and medical supplies."

What are some alternatives to "basic essentials"?

Alternatives to "basic essentials" include "basic necessities", "essential requirements", or "fundamental needs", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "essential essentials"?

Yes, saying "essential essentials" is redundant. "Essentials" already implies necessity, so adding "essential" is unnecessary. It's best to stick with just ""basic essentials"" or consider alternatives like "key necessities".

What's the difference between "basic essentials" and "luxury items"?

"Basic essentials" refer to items needed for survival and well-being, such as food, shelter, and clothing. In contrast, "luxury items" are things that are desirable but not necessary, such as designer goods or expensive entertainment.