basic food crops

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basic food crops" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to fundamental agricultural products that are essential for human consumption and nutrition. Example: "Rice, wheat, and maize are considered basic food crops that sustain a large portion of the world's population."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia Britannica

The New York Times

FAO

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In the humid equatorial region, cassava (manioc) and rice are the basic food crops.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it said the promise was not being fulfilled because too little biotech research was aimed at the basic food crops grown in developing countries.

The New York Times

He headed the largest scientific research group at Switzerland's top technical university, where he directed 64 researchers investigating ways to improve nutrients and disease resistance in basic food crops.

The New York Times - Science

We have worked with ministries of agriculture in 14 countries and will hundreds of thousands of small-scale farmers, who have shown that they are eager and able to double and triple yields of the basic food crops.

FAO

Beyond these basic food crops, the agriculture and often the whole economy of many developing countries depend to a high degree on the production of one or a few commodities destined principally for export.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Assign a basic food crop to each group, or allow groups to choose their own topics.

The New York Times

Explain that each group will be researching a basic food crop that has been used throughout history and in various cultures.

The New York Times

Coffee may not be a basic food crop, such as wheat, but it is arguably one of the most important agricultural products.

Yale University

Basic physical properties of food crops that are often required in order to design production processes, equipment and evaluation of the effect of processing on nutrients were determined for African star apple seeds, at a moisture contents of 8.49% (dry basis).

Journal of Food Engineering

Wheat and corn are the world's most important food crops, and researchers use basic crossbreeding techniques to improve them, developing, for example, wheat better suited to drought in Africa, or corn more resistant to Latin American insects.

The New York Times

On one hand, the basic materials for biomass energy are crops, especially food crops, which are in great need, resulting in the rising food price.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing global food security or agricultural policies, using "basic food crops" helps to clearly identify the essential plants that are crucial for feeding populations. This term provides a focused and universally understood reference point.

Common error

Avoid using "basic food crops" when referring to niche or specialty crops. The phrase is best reserved for describing widely consumed and nutritionally significant plants like rice, wheat, and corn.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic food crops" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific category of agricultural products. As Ludwig AI states, it refers to fundamental agricultural products that are essential for human consumption and nutrition. Examples include sentences where the phrase is used to discuss improving these crops or their role in food security.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "basic food crops" accurately describes fundamental agricultural products vital for human nutrition. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts. With a neutral to formal register, it appears frequently in scientific, news, and business-related content. Alternatives such as "staple crops" or "essential food plants" can be used depending on the specific context. It's crucial to reserve "basic food crops" for widely consumed and nutritionally significant plants, ensuring accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

staple crops

Focuses on the idea of crops being a dietary mainstay.

primary food sources

Highlights the role of these crops as fundamental sources of nutrition.

essential food plants

Emphasizes the necessity of these plants for sustenance.

major agricultural products

Broader term referring to the main outputs of agriculture.

main food commodities

Focuses on the economic aspect of these crops as traded goods.

fundamental food harvests

Highlights the harvesting aspect and their importance.

core dietary crops

Specifies the crops' role in forming the basis of diets.

critical nutritional crops

Stresses the importance of these crops for providing essential nutrients.

key food staples

Highlights that these crops are key part of the basic food that people eat regularly.

basic agricultural staples

More general, emphasizing the agricultural importance.

FAQs

What are some examples of "basic food crops"?

Examples of "basic food crops" include rice, wheat, corn, potatoes, cassava, and soybeans, which are widely cultivated and consumed globally.

What can I say instead of "basic food crops"?

You can use alternatives like "staple crops", "primary food sources", or "essential food plants" depending on the context.

Why is it important to research and improve "basic food crops"?

Improving "basic food crops" is crucial for ensuring food security, increasing agricultural yields, and enhancing the nutritional value of staple foods, particularly in developing countries.

How do "basic food crops" relate to global food security?

"Basic food crops" are fundamental to global food security as they provide the majority of calories and essential nutrients for much of the world's population. Their availability and affordability directly impact food security.