basic explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basic explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a simple or fundamental description of a concept or topic. Example: "Before diving into the details, let me provide a basic explanation of how this process works."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

But for now, this basic explanation seems to suffice.

The New York Times

"They're a good team," Richard Jefferson said, offering the most basic explanation.

The New York Times - Sports

The basic explanation for the shortfall can be found in Texas' two-year budget cycle.

The New York Times

A big chunk of that debt will never be repaid, which is the most basic explanation for the financial crisis.

The New York Times - Magazine

The basic explanation for the success of Marks & Spencer's food division is that shoppers are combining cut-price purchases from the discounters with treats from M&S.

The Guardian - Business

"The interceptors," the agency Web site says in its basic explanation of antimissile goals, "ram the warhead at a very high closing speed, destroying the target".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

There are two basic explanations for this retrenchment.

The New Yorker

"The funny thing is that the user unfriendliness just means that players will talk to each other more in physical space when they run into each other – asking for tips and tricks and basic explanations".

The Guardian - Tech

Four simple stone plinths, each engraved with a biblical quotation, suggest basic explanations: a unifying tradition founded on a covenant with God, the shared ordeal of exile in Egypt, acceptance of a code of laws based on divine revelation, and the promise of the land of Israel.

The New York Times - Arts

Several hundred of the most popular educational and gaming mobile apps for children fail to give parents basic explanations about what kinds of personal information the apps collect from children, who can see that data and what they use it for, a new federal report says.

The New York Times - Tech

Natasha Singer reports in The New York Times about a new federal report that says hundreds of the most popular educational and game mobile apps for children fail to give parents basic explanations about what kinds of personal information the apps collect from children, who can see that data and what they use it for.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing a "basic explanation", tailor the level of detail to your audience's existing knowledge to avoid oversimplification or confusion.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "basic explanation" as the definitive answer to a complex issue. Always acknowledge that there are deeper layers to explore.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic explanation" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a direct object or a subject complement. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in providing simple accounts or descriptions of concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "basic explanation" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe a simplified account of a concept or topic. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, highlighting its versatility. While phrases like "simple explanation" or "general overview" can be used as alternatives, it's important to tailor the explanation to the audience's level of understanding and to avoid oversimplification. Remember to acknowledge the existence of deeper complexities beyond the "basic explanation" to prevent misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple explanation

Emphasizes ease of understanding.

elementary explanation

Suggests a foundational or introductory level.

fundamental explanation

Highlights the core or essential aspects.

brief overview

Focuses on conciseness and succinctness.

introductory account

Implies a starting point for further learning.

general description

Offers a broad, non-specific explanation.

simplified account

Highlights the act of making something easier to understand.

outline

Suggests a skeletal or bare-bones explanation.

overview

Provides a high-level view of the topic.

primary reason

Focuses on the main cause or justification.

FAQs

How can I provide a "basic explanation" effectively?

Start with the core concepts, use clear and concise language, and avoid jargon. Analogies and real-world examples can also help in making the "basic explanation" easier to grasp.

What's a good alternative to "basic explanation"?

You can use phrases like "simple explanation", "general overview", or "introductory account" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use a "basic explanation"?

Use a "basic explanation" when introducing a topic to someone unfamiliar with it, or when you need to provide a high-level understanding without getting bogged down in details.

How does a "basic explanation" differ from a detailed explanation?

A "basic explanation" focuses on the essential elements and omits intricate details, while a detailed explanation delves into complexities and nuances.